13 Oyo illegal diesel sellers to pay fine of N200,000 each or risk five-year jail term

No fewer than 13 individuals operating unlicensed diesel sales businesses along the Toll gate axis of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, have been convicted by the Oyo State Environmental Mobile and Tribunal Court.

The convicts who were operating without permits from relevant regulatory authorities were fined ₦200,000 each or, in default, to a five-year prison term for engaging in hazardous waste-generating activities in violation of the state’s environmental laws.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, and obtained by DAILY POST on Monday.

According to the statement, the judgement was delivered at the premises of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Ibadan.

The Presiding Judge, Jubreel Adio, stated that the sale of diesel and petroleum products without proper authorization poses significant environmental and safety hazards and attracts serious penalties under Oyo State Environmental Laws and Regulations.

The statement quoted the judge, saying, “The defendants admitted to operating without the necessary approvals and pleaded for leniency. However, ignorance of the law is not an excuse.

“While the standard penalty for the offense is ₦5 million or a five-year prison term, the court exercised discretion, considering the offenders were first-time violators and appeared to be ordinary traders. A reduced fine of ₦200,000 was imposed on each as a warning.

“Let this serve as a deterrent to others. Should any of the defendants reappear before this tribunal, they will face the full weight of the law without leniency,” Barrister Jubreel warned.

As part of a goodwill arrangement, two community leaders Mr. Olalere Hassan and Mr. Saheed Folarin volunteered as sureties for the convicted individuals.

Hassan deposited the documents of his silver 2006 Toyota RAV4 registered as LLD 587JQ as collateral until all fines are fully paid.

The presiding judge emphasized that the sureties would be held liable should the fines remain unpaid.

He, however, reiterated that the tribunal’s purpose is not to punish unnecessarily but to enforce compliance, safeguard the environment and ensure public safety.

“ We’ve previously fined similar offenders up to ₦1 million each. This court is not an avenue for extortion, but to uphold the law. Today, you’re fortunate. Next time, you may not meet a lenient judge,” the statement added.

13 Oyo illegal diesel sellers to pay fine of N200,000 each or risk five-year jail term