A Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti has sentenced 37 individuals to one-month imprisonment each for violating Ekiti State’s environmental health and sanitation laws during the recent sanitation exercise.
According to a statement from the State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources on Tuesday, a total of 52 people were arraigned before the court for failing to comply with sanitation regulations.
“The suspects were charged to court for allegedly violating the environmental health and sanitation laws of Ekiti State during Saturday’s environmental sanitation exercise,” the statement read.
Delivering judgment, Magistrate Olubunmi Bamidele ruled that the 37 offenders had disregarded the state’s sanitation guidelines and should face penalties as a deterrent to others.
“The offenders failed to adhere to the state’s environmental sanitation guidelines,” Bamidele stated, adding that their conviction would serve as a warning to others. However, the court granted them the option of a fine. Meanwhile, 15 others were discharged after their cases were reviewed.
Speaking on the issue, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, urged residents to prioritize cleanliness to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
“Environmental sanitation is a collective responsibility. We urge residents to actively participate in keeping their surroundings clean,” Aluko-Ajisafe said.
The commissioner, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Tunde Balogun, emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining a hygienic and sustainable environment.
“Violators of sanitation laws will continue to face strict penalties as part of the enforcement strategy to maintain compliance,” she warned.
Aluko-Ajisafe also called on community leaders and stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns, stressing that enforcing sanitation laws is a proactive measure to prevent disease outbreaks caused by poor hygiene.
