8 Bizmen To Be Arraigned For Importing Toxic Goods

Eight Lagos businessmen, alleged to have imported electronic materials containing harmful substances into Nigeria, will be arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, after the courts’ vacation.

The Attorney-General of the Federation has already filed a one-count charge against the accused persons.

In the said criminal charge number FHC/L/311C/11 dated 26 July, 2011 signed by Bola Odugbesan, a legal officer in the Attorney-General’s office, it was stated thus: “That you, Gilbert Onakwue of 52, Kirikiri Road, Apapa, Lagos; Mike Ugo Igweonu of 200, Kirikiri Road Apapa, Lagos; Johnson C. Nwoye of 6, Peter Road, Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos; Jude Madukaibe of B507, Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos; Ebokam Chibueze Clement of Suite 45, Randle Road, Apapa; Anthony Obi of Kilometre 10, Dantata bus stop, Lagos-Badagry Expressway; Moses Eyisi of 153, Akowonjo Road, Lagos and Lawrence Nwaogbo of 15, Peters Road, Ojo Alaba, Lagos, about 10 October, 2010, imported into Nigeria harmful electrical/electronic waste contrary to Section one of the Harmful Waste Special Criminal Provisions Act, Chapter H1 Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under Section 6 of the same act.

According to an affidavit sworn to by Assistant Legal Adviser in the Legal Department of National Environmental Standards and Regulatory Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Mr. Ejike Onyekwelu, averred that the Director General of NESREA got intelligence report from International Police Organisation (INTERPOL), of a vessel importing electronic wastes into Nigeria.

On the receipt of the alert, the agency inspected the containers and discovered that the goods were laden with toxic substances like lead, cadmium and other substances that are harmful to the environment.

Onyekwelu averred further that the result of the investigation carried out by the agency confirmed that the used electronics found in the containers were non-functional and contained some hazardous substances.

Consequently, the agency initiated criminal action against the businessmen.

Meanwhile, the accused persons have instituted a legal action against the agency on the ground that the seizure of their containers is against their fundamental right to acquire and own property.