Court Jails 12 Unlicensed Scavengers, Others Arrested

For doing business without due process, a Mobile Court in Asaba, Delta State has jailed 12 unlicensed collectors of scrap metals, popularly known as ‘Iron Condemn.’

The scavengers were arrested by the Delta State Environment Marshals for engaging in illegal scrap metal collection without obtaining license from Delta State government saying it poses serious security risks to residents of the state.

The court ruled that their actions undermined public safety and warranted strict punishment to deter others from similar illegal activities.

The chairman of the Taskforce, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu, pointed out that it was and is still unlawful to do business with law breakers and deviants noting that those convicted would serve different jail terms without option of fine to serve as deterrent to others.

While commending the court’s ruling, he assured residents that the state government would continue to do the needful to protect lives and property and maintain law and order.

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He urged residents to report suspicious movements and criminal activities to law enforcement agents and local vigilantes in towns and villages, adding that the state environmental marshal and taskforce shall continue to do the needful until unlicensed metal collectors are shown the way out of the state.

In the same vein, the director-general, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Oghenesivbe, urged residents not to patronise unlicensed scavengers to avoid arrest and prosecution.

He disclosed that regulations and subsisting laws in the state clearly prohibit door-to-door collection or scavenging of scrap metals and other recyclable materials, use of carts or other hand-held carriers such as sacks, compulsory registration, licensing and annual renewal of licenses of operations of persons involved in the business of collection of scrap metals and other renewable materials.