The Environmental Sanitation Court sitting in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital has convicted some offenders for violating Saturday’s environmental sanitation laws of the State.
The suspects were arrested by a combined team of regular Police personnel and those of Ibom Community Watch (ICW) for their failure to participate in the routine end-of-the-month environmental sanitation activities.
The affected residents were apprehended along major roads and streets in Uyo metropolis, especially Abak Road, Ikot Ekpene Road, Aka Road, IBB Way, Esuene Street and other adjoining locations, including Urua Ekpa, on the outskirts of the capital.
A member of the taskforce, Akaninyene Enang said the offenders were arraigned at the State’s Sanitation Court in Uyo, “At the end of the trial, those found guilty were made to undertake various civil punishment including cleaning the streets.”
Affirming this, a Senior Magistrate, Amanda Effiom, who presided over the proceedings, disclosed that “offenders will face varying penalties, including fines and community service.”
Some, who pleaded guilty received immediate sentencing, while others were subjected to further legal proceedings.
Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), Prince Akpan Ikim, alongside security agencies, supervised the enforcement process to ensure strict adherence to sanitation regulations during the exercise.
They reiterated their commitment to upholding environmental laws, and warned residents to comply with future sanitation exercises to avoid prosecution.
