Thirteen individuals have been fined ₦200,000 each by the Oyo State Environmental Mobile and Tribunal Court for operating illegal diesel sales outlets without valid licences around the Toll Gate area in Ibadan, the state capital.
Presiding over the proceedings on Monday, held at the premises of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, Judge Adio Jubreel found the offenders guilty of breaching environmental regulations by engaging in unlicensed and hazardous fuel trading.
“The defendants admitted to operating without the necessary approvals and pleaded for leniency. However, ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” the judge stated.
Jubreel explained that selling petroleum products without proper authorisation not only contravenes the state’s environmental laws but also poses serious risks to public safety and the environment.
“While the standard penalty for the offence 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,” he added.
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He warned the convicts that stiffer penalties would follow if they were caught again.
“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,” Jubreel said.
To support the convicted individuals, two community leaders, Olalere Hassan and Saheed Folarin, stood as sureties. Hassan submitted documents of his silver 2006 Toyota RAV4 (Registration Number: LLD 587 JQ) as collateral, which will be held by the Ministry of Environment until the fines are fully paid.
The judge stressed that the sureties would be held accountable if the convicts defaulted on the payment.
“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,” Jubreel concluded.
