A mobile Court in Asaba, Delta State, has jailed 12 unlicensed collectors of scrap metal aka “iron condemn”, for doing business without due process, and or not obtaining license from the government.
Those convicted are to serve different jail terms without option of fine, in order to serve as deterrent to others.
They were arrested by the Delta State Environment Marshals for engaging in illegal scrap metal collection, which poses significant security risks to residents of the State.
The court ruled that their actions undermined public safety and warranted strict punishment to deter others from similar illegal activities.
Chairman of the Taskforce, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu, while commending the court’s ruling, assured residents of the State that the government will continue to do the needful to protect their lives and property, as well as 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, adding that the environmental marshal and taskforce will continue to do the needful until unlicensed “iron condemn” collectors are shown the way out of Delta State.
In the same vein, the Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, urged residents in the State not to patronize unlicensed “iron condemn” collectors, to avoid arrest and prosecution, pointing out that it is unlawful to do business with law breakers and deviants.
He disclosed that regulations and subsisting laws in the state clearly prohibited door-to-door collection or scavenging of scrap metals and other recyclable materials, use of carts or other hand-held carriers such as sacks, 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.
“It must be emphasized that the ban on unlicensed “iron condemn” operators in Delta State is still in force; offenders shall be apprehended and prosecuted, and jailed by court of competent jurisdiction,” he added.