Illegal diesel sales cost 13 individuals ₦200,000 each in Oyo State

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Oyo State Environmental Mobile and Tribunal Court has convicted 13 individuals for operating unlicensed diesel sales businesses along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, fining each ₦200,000 with option of five-years prison term.

Presiding Judge Barrister Jubreel Adio emphasized that unregulated diesel sales pose significant environmental and safety hazards, attracting serious penalties under Oyo State laws.

Delivering his judgment at the premises of OYRTMA, Adio noted,  “The defendants admitted to operating without the necessary approvals and pleaded for leniency. However, ignorance of the law is not an excuse.”

In an e-signed release made available through Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Oyo State, it stated that while the standard penalty for the offense is ₦5 million or a five-year prison term, the court exercised discretion, considering the offenders were first-time violators and appeared to be ordinary traders. A reduced fine of ₦200,000 was imposed on each as a warning.

“Let this serve as a deterrent to others. Should any of the defendants reappear before this tribunal, they will face the full weight of the law without leniency,” Barrister Jubreel warned.

As part of a goodwill arrangement, community leaders Alhaji Olalere Taiwo Hassan and Mr. Saheed Folarin volunteered as sureties for the convicted individuals. Alhaji Hassan deposited the vehicle documents of his silver 2006 Toyota RAV4 (Registration Number: LLD 587 JQ) as collateral. The documents will be held by the Ministry of Environment until all fines are fully paid.

The presiding judge further emphasized that the sureties would be held liable should the fines remain unpaid.

He concluded by reiterating that the tribunal’s purpose is not to punish unnecessarily but to enforce compliance, safeguard the environment and ensure public safety.

We’ve previously fined similar offenders up to ₦1 million each. This court is not an avenue for extortion, but to uphold the law. Today, you’re fortunate. Next time, you may not meet a lenient judge,” he said.