Fifty-three individuals were arrested on Saturday across various parts of Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, for violating the state’s environmental laws. The arrests were made by members of the state Task Force during the May 2025 edition of the monthly sanitation exercise. Those apprehended were caught either loitering or conducting business activities during the official cleanup hours.
When brought before the Environmental Mobile Court, some of the offenders claimed ignorance, stating they had not heard the radio announcement earlier in the week regarding the scheduled sanitation. However, the Presiding Magistrate, Onyinyechi Ibekwe, discharged two individuals on health grounds and another who was identified as a student.
Following the exercise, Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna, praised residents who actively participated in cleaning their surroundings. He expressed satisfaction with the improved environmental appearance of cities across the state and emphasized the government’s commitment to disease prevention and promoting public health. Ogbonna urged citizens to continue maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
