Magistrate Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has jailed Mr Ojo Olowookere,a resident of Onala for unhygienic practices and noise pollution.
The case, presided over by Magistrate Olubunmi Bamidele, at the Ado Ekiti magisterial District for contravening public health and civic responsibilities law.
Neighbors of Mr Olowookere charged him to court for his unhygienic practices and noise pollution which they said could cause health hazard to their community.
Mr Olowookere was said to have failed to comply with an abatement notice issued to him by environmental health officials of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources on April 16, 2024, mandating him to provide sanitary conveniences in his premises.
He was first arraigned on May 6, 2024, pleading not guilty to the charges leveled against him and the case was adjourned till Monday 20th May 2024.
Evidence from the state prosecutors Mr Opeyemi Adebayo and Mr. Abiola Ibitayo, shed light on the distress caused by Mr. Olowookere’s actions, highlighting the noxious odors and noise pollution emanating from his premises to the neighborhood.
Despite attempts to refute the allegations, Mr. Olowookere’s defense faltered under scrutiny, resulting in a guilty verdict on two of the three count charges brought against him.
In her judgment Magistrate Olubunmi Bamidele, who found Mr. Olowookere guilty of the offenses, handed down a sentence of six months imprisonment, with an option of ₦15000 fine, emphasizing the severity of his offense and the importance of upholding environmental standards within the community.
Ministry of Environment opined that the judgement serves as a reminder of the legal ramifications to those who fail to maintain clean and healthy living in a conducive environment, underscoring the significance of adherence to environmental regulations for the collective well-being of the society.
