Abia Mobile Court fines 96 for environmental offences during state clean-up

Ninety-six people have been convicted and fined by the Abia State Mobile Environmental Court for violating sanitation laws during the October edition of the state’s monthly clean-up exercise.

A total of 108 offenders were arrested across different parts of Umuahia on Saturday by officials of the Abia State Ministry of Environment’s task force.

The mobile court, presided over by Magistrate Chinenye Ibekwe, discharged 10 individuals who proved they were students and released two others on health grounds, while the remaining 96 were found guilty of environmental offences such as street trading and loitering during sanitation hours.

Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, who monitored the exercise, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment as part of Governor Alex Otti’s public health agenda.

“Keeping Abia clean is not just a policy; it’s a necessity to prevent disease outbreaks and safeguard lives,” Ogbonna said.

He disclosed that the state had deployed house-to-house sanitary inspectors to ensure residents and business owners maintain proper hygiene and waste disposal practices.

Ogbonna also praised the Nigerian Army for joining the clean-up of the Isi Gate axis of Umuahia, noting that their civic participation contributed significantly to the area’s improved appearance.

The commissioner further announced plans to set up an additional mobile environmental court at Orie Ugba Market in Umuahia North to prosecute traders who violate sanitation regulations within the market environment.

Environmental cleanup exercises are held monthly in Abia State, with public movement and business activities restricted during the designated hours to ensure maximum participation.