No fewer than 17 individuals were arrested and tried at a mobile court in Gombe State on Saturday for violating environmental sanitation laws during the state’s monthly end-of-the-month sanitation exercise.
The offenders, including motorcycle riders, Keke NAPEP operators, and fuel station and restaurant attendants, were brought before Magistrate Maikudi Bamai and others at the mobile court set up at the Gombe Divisional Police Station.
According to the PUNCH, the state Commissioner for Water, Environment, and Forest Resources, Mohammed Fawu, stated that the offenders would face penalties aimed at deterring others from flouting sanitation rules.
He emphasized that future violators would be required to sweep and cut grasses as part of their punishment.
“Health is wealth and should not be neglected for any reason,” Fawu said, highlighting the state government’s commitment to the well-being of its residents.
“Many of those arrested claimed they were going to the farm because they were hungry. But have they considered the importance of health? Can they go to the farm if they are ill?”
Fawu urged residents to cooperate with the government’s efforts, stressing that the sanitation exercise is not just about restricting movement but ensuring a clean and healthy environment.
He noted that the mobile court is fully operational and dedicated to handling sanitation violations.
“All those arrested have been taken to various police stations in town. The magistrate is prosecuting them, and they will be charged accordingly,” he said.
Fawu also disclosed that the fines collected from the offenders would be announced to the public. He clarified that payments would be made directly to the state treasury through the Internal Revenue Service, ensuring transparency and accountability.
He warned that future operations would not only target station operators but could also include their customers.
Praising residents for their improved compliance with the sanitation exercise compared to the previous month, Fawu acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly with motorcycle riders who remain the most frequent violators.
“We have made announcements and engaged many organizations to create awareness. Residents are well aware of the rules. We will increase security personnel at certain points to enforce the law,” he said.
Fawu added that during the next sanitation exercise, offenders would be provided with brooms and cutlasses to perform the tasks they neglected at home.
“No movement means no movement, including trekking. Offenders will be given brooms and cutlasses to do what they should have done from home,” he stated.
The commissioner called on all residents to take the sanitation exercise seriously, as the government remains committed to maintaining a clean and healthy environment in Gombe State.
