By Newspot Nigeria Editorial Desk
In a firm crackdown on unregulated petroleum activities, the Oyo State Environmental Mobile and Tribunal Court has convicted thirteen individuals for engaging in unauthorized diesel sales along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway’s Toll Gate axis.
The offenders were found guilty of operating without valid permits from the relevant environmental and petroleum regulatory bodies. Each convict was fined ₦200,000 or faces a default five-year prison term.
Delivering the verdict at the premises of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) in Ibadan, Presiding Judge Barrister Jubreel Adio stressed that illegal diesel trading constitutes a grave environmental offense and public safety threat. The judge said such acts directly contravene Oyo State’s environmental laws and could attract penalties of up to ₦5 million or incarceration.
“The defendants admitted to operating without the necessary approvals and pleaded for leniency. However, ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” Judge Adio declared.
While the law provides for stiffer penalties, the judge exercised discretion, noting that the defendants were first-time offenders and appeared to be ordinary traders rather than hardened criminals. Consequently, a reduced fine of ₦200,000 each was imposed.
Community leaders Alhaji Olalere Taiwo Hassan and Mr. Saheed Folarin stepped in as sureties. Alhaji Hassan deposited documents of his silver 2006 Toyota RAV4 (Reg. No. LLD 587 JQ) as collateral. The documents will be held by the Oyo State Ministry of Environment until the fines are fully paid.
The tribunal warned that any repeat offense would attract full legal consequences without leniency.
“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,” Judge Adio said.
He further emphasized the purpose of the tribunal is not to punish indiscriminately, but to enforce compliance, protect public safety, and preserve the environment.
“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,” the judge added.
The Oyo State Government has vowed to intensify surveillance on unauthorized fuel sales and enforce stricter environmental safeguards across the state.
Full Press Statement Below:
Press Release
Oyo Environmental Tribunal Fines Illegal Diesel Sellers ₦200,000 Each or Risk Five-Year Jail Term
The Oyo State Environmental Mobile and Tribunal Court has convicted 13 individuals for operating unlicensed diesel sales businesses along the Toll Gate axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway without permits from relevant regulatory authorities.
Each defendant was fined ₦200,000 or, in default, faces a five-year prison term for engaging in hazardous waste-generating activities in violation of the state’s environmental laws.
Delivering judgment at the premises of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Ibadan, Presiding Judge, Barrister Jubreel Adio, noted that the sale of diesel and petroleum products without proper authorization poses significant environmental and safety hazards and attracts serious penalties under Oyo State Environmental Laws and Regulations.
“The defendants admitted to operating without the necessary approvals and pleaded for leniency. However, ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” the judge said.
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.
E-signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State.
August 4, 2025
This story is by Newspot Nigeria.
