A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has sentenced 14 persons convicted of illegal waste dumping to two weeks in jail, with an option of a fine.

The offenders, who were arraigned on a two-count charge, are Kareem Sherifat, Isiwat Ololade, Ojanuga Esther, Usman Babatunde, Blessing John, Falodun Bukola and Agunbiade Titilayo.

Others are Oritogun Samson, Obasa Idowu, Solomon Adelani, Lateef Saidat, Taiwo Abimbola, Adeniyi Olayinka and Precious Adeyeri.

The prosecutor, Sanitarian Abolaji Dasaolu, told the court that the offenders were arrested at about 8:00 a.m. at Tekobo, Idi-Aba, within the Abeokuta Magisterial District, for illegally dumping refuse on a public road.

Dasaolu said the waste emitted a foul odour, attracted flies and posed serious health risks, including the possible spread of cholera.

He added that dumping refuse on public roads and in drainage channels could block drains, increase the risk of flooding and endanger lives and property.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened the Public Health Law of Ogun State 2006 and Section 34(1) of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority Law 2020.

Delivering judgment, Justice O. Sam-Obaleye found the defendants guilty on the two-count charge and sentenced them to a 14-day imprisonment, with an option of a N10,000 fine.

The judge also warned them against further illegal waste disposal, stressing that future offenders could face imprisonment without the option of a fine.