By Austin Ogwuda
A Mobile Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria has jailed 12 unlicensed collectors of scrap metal, otherwise known as ‘Iron Condemn’ for doing business without relevant registration and obtaining license from Delta state government.
Those convicted are to serve different jail terms without option of fine, so as 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.
The Chairman of the Taskforce, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu, while commending the court’s ruling, assured residents that the state government will continue to do the needful to protect life and property, maintain law and order and urged residents to report any suspicious movements and criminal activities to law enforcement agents and local vigilante in towns and villages.
In reaction, the Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe has asked 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 defiants”.
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.
According to him, “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”, the Orientation and Communications Bureau boss further stated.
