A Mobile Court in Delta State has sentenced 12 unlicensed scrap metal collectors, commonly known as ‘Baban Bola,’ to jail.
The court determined that their activities posed a threat to public safety and warranted strict penalties to discourage others from engaging in similar unlawful practices.
The convicts have been sentenced to varying jail terms with no option of a fine.
They were apprehended by the Delta State Environment Marshals for conducting illegal scrap metal collection without the required government licenses.
The court emphasized that their activities pose serious security threats to the residents of the state.
He urged residents to report any suspicious activities or criminal behavior to law enforcement and local vigilantes in towns and villages.
Asiuwhu pledged that the state environmental marshal and taskforce will continue their efforts until unlicensed scrap metal collectors are removed from Delta State.
In the same vein, Dr. Fred Oghenesivbe, the Director General of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, advised residents not to engage with unlicensed scrap metal collectors to avoid arrest and prosecution.
Oghenesivbe revealed that state regulations and existing laws explicitly ban door-to-door collection or scavenging of scrap metals and other recyclable materials, as well as the use of carts or other hand-held carriers like sacks.
He emphasized the requirement for mandatory registration, licensing, and annual renewal of licenses for individuals engaged in the scrap metal collection and recycling business.
Operators are required to register their staff and individuals involved in scrap metal and recyclable materials collection with the relevant government authorities.
“Staff members and those engaged in scrap metal and recyclable materials collection must have valid identification, and employees should wear uniforms displaying their identification and employer license numbers.”
“Mandatory registration, licensing, and annual renewal of licenses for vehicles and other approved means of collecting scrap metals or recyclable materials for sale are not up for negotiation,” he further stated.
