Oyo convicts 13 for illegal diesel sales
The Oyo State Environmental Tribunal has convicted 13 individuals for operating illegal diesel sales outlets along the Toll Gate axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway without required license.
The ruling was confirmed in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on August 4.
The Mobile Court sitting at the premises of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) in Ibadan found the defendants guilty of conducting hazardous activities in violation of state environmental laws.
Presiding Judge, Barrister Jubreel Adio, fined each offender ₦200,000 or, in default, a five-year jail term. He stated that although the standard penalty is ₦5 million, the court opted for a reduced fine due to the defendants being first-time offenders.
“The defendants admitted their wrongdoing and pleaded for mercy. However, ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse,” the judge said. “Let this be a warning—repeated violations will attract the full force of the law.”
Two community leaders, Alhaji Olalere Taiwo Hassan and Mr. Saheed Folarin, volunteered as sureties. Alhaji Hassan submitted the documents of his silver 2006 Toyota RAV4 (registration number: LLD 587 JQ) as collateral, to be held by the Ministry of Environment until the fines are paid.
The court warned that the sureties would be held liable if the convicts failed to settle the fines.
Barrister Adio reiterated that the tribunal’s purpose is to enforce compliance and protect public safety, not to punish unnecessarily.
“This court is not for extortion,” he said. “Others have been fined ₦1 million. Today, you’re lucky. Next time, the court may not be so lenient.”
