LagosExplorer reports:
In a bold move to sanitize Oyo State's fuel distribution system, the Oyo State Environmental Tribunal has convicted 13 individuals for illegally selling diesel along the ever-busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. The ruling, delivered on Monday at the premises of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) in Ibadan, marks a significant win in the state’s ongoing war against unregulated fuel trade.
According to reports obtained by LagosExplorer, the convicted individuals were apprehended during a coordinated raid by the Special Task Force on Illegal Trade in Petroleum Products, set up by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. The crackdown led to the arrest of 16 suspects and the seizure of four drums and 17 jerrycans of diesel, which were being sold without licenses or approval from regulatory agencies.
Tribunal Delivers Stern Judgment
Presiding Magistrate Jubreel Adio described the offence as a serious breach of state laws and environmental regulations. He explained that the accused were charged with “trading in petroleum products without lawful authority” and “posing health and safety risks to the public.”
Although state law stipulates a fine of ₦5 million or a prison sentence of up to five years for such infractions, the tribunal showed leniency, fining each convicted seller ₦200,000. The judge said the reduced sentence was based on the fact that all 13 were first-time offenders and had pleaded guilty.
> “We are showing mercy today, but any repeat offence will be met with the full force of the law. Ignorance is not an excuse,” Magistrate Adio declared.
Community Figures Step In
Two respected community leaders, Olalere Taiwo Hassan and Saheed Folarin, stood as sureties for the convicted individuals. Hassan even deposited documents for his 2006 Toyota RAV4, which is now held in custody by the Ministry of Environment until all fines are paid. Magistrate Adio warned that failure to settle the fines would make the sureties liable.
> “The goal of this tribunal is not just to punish but to protect the environment and restore order,” he added.
Why It Matters: A Larger Environmental Crisis
The conviction is part of a broader push by the Oyo State Government to clean up illegal diesel sales that often occur in unsafe conditions—posing fire hazards and polluting the environment. Illegal fuel markets have become increasingly common in urban corridors like Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, where traders exploit high demand and poor regulatory enforcement.
Industry analysts warn that continued tolerance for illegal petroleum trading could have dire consequences for both public health and infrastructure.