A mobile court sitting in Benin City, headed by Chief Magistrate F.E. Okunrobo, on Thursday, convicted 11 traders for disobeying the directive of the Edo State Government on selling on walkways and other unauthorized places.
The affected traders, who were arrested at various locations in Ugbor Street and Sapele Road axis in the state capital, pleaded guilty to the offense and asked for leniency from the Chief Magistrate. The traders include Mr. Igwue Edwin, Mr. Andy Daniel, Mr. Ikechukwu Nkpuma, Miss Susan Mark, Mr. Daniel Erabhaghen and Mrs. Felicia Ade. Others are Miss Inegbedion Philo, Miss Promise Obodoagwu, Miss Success Blessing, Ms. John Natabor and Ms. Usman Eva. The Chief Magistrate ordered the traders to pay a fine in the sum of N10, 000 and vacate the said places within the next seven days. Earlier, the State Counsel, Aigbokhaode Ayo Esq., told the court that the traders were seen either hawking or selling in unauthorized locations. Ayo further disclosed that the traders were served with notices and warnings to vacate the said places but refused to adhere to the notices and warnings. Also speaking, the Assistant General, Compliance, Edo State Waste Management Board, Mrs. Beatrice Imade Efosa, said that the traders were trading in places meant for vehicles in order to avoid accidents. Efosa said that the traders exposed themselves to danger, adding that they were served court notices to vacate the place and they refused. She reassured that they will continue to educate members of the public on the need to obey government regulations to avoid arrest and prosecution.
