A mobile court in Delta State has jailed 12 unlicensed collectors of scrap metal, otherwise known as ‘Baban Bola’.
The court ruled that their actions undermined public safety and warranted strict punishment to deter others from engaging in similar illegal activities.
The convicts are to serve different jail terms without option of fine.
They were arrested by the Delta State Environment Marshals for engaging in illegal scrap metal collection without obtaining license from the government.
The court noted that their activities pose significant security risks to residents of the state.
The Chairman of the Taskforce, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu, admonished residents of the state that it is unlawful to do business with law breakers and defiants.
While commending the court’s ruling, he assured residents that the state government would continue to do the needful to protect life and property, and maintain law and order.
He urged residents to report any suspicious movements and criminal activities to law enforcement agents and local vigilante in towns and villages.
Asiuwhu vowed that the state environmental marshal and taskforce will continue to do the needful until unlicensed scrap metal collectors are shown the way out of Delta State.
Similarly, the Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Oghenesivbe, urged residents in the state not to patronize unlicensed scrap metal collectors to avoid arrest and prosecution.
Oghenesivbe disclosed that regulations and subsisting laws in the state clearly prohibited door-to-door collection or scavenging of scrap metals and other recyclable materials, as well as use of carts or other hand-held carriers such as sacks.
He insisted on 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.
“Operators must profile their staff and persons engaged in the business of scrap metal, and other recyclable materials collection with the appropriate government agencies.
“Means of people identification of staff and persons engaged in the business of metal scrap and other recyclable materials collection is compulsory, while employees must wear apparels with visible identification and license numbers of employers.
“Compulsory registration, licensing and annual renewal of licenses of vehicles and other approved means of collecting scrap metals or other recyclable materials for sale, are non-negotiable,” he added.
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