A mobile court established by the Kwara State government has prosecuted 12 offenders of environmental laws for illegally encroaching on Oja Oba Market's main road in Ilorin, the state capital. The trials took place yesterday as part of efforts to enforce compliance with regulations banning roadside trading.

The convicts were apprehended at various points within the market for violating rules by displaying goods on public thoroughfares. The mobile court, which began operations on Tuesday, comprises a Chief Magistrate, Environmental Health Officers (EHOs), and security personnel to enable swift adjudication of offences.

LEADERSHIP reports that the state Ministry of Environment had previously conducted sensitisation campaigns to educate traders on the dangers of obstructing roads and public spaces. Despite these warnings, many continued their activities, prompting the government to announce the mobile court's establishment on Monday to ensure accountability.

The move aims to curb unregulated trading practices that hinder traffic flow and public safety, aligning with Kwara's broader urban governance agenda.

The convicts were arraigned before the court for offences ranging from road encroachment and illegal display of wares on pedestrian walkways, among others.

In his ruling, Magistrate Muhammad Aluko, sentenced the offenders in line with the provisions of Kwara State Environmental Laws, but gave them an option of fines in consideration of being first offenders.

All the convicts paid their various fines into the coffers of the state government, through the personnel of the State Internal Revenue Services ( KWIRS) , who were also on the ground.