Musa Maya
Kaduna
Mobile Court Tours Corporate Premises, Sanctions Violators Across Kaduna
The Kaduna State Environmental Protection Authority (KEPA), under the energetic leadership of its new Acting General Manager, Yahaya Yakubu Victor, has intensified enforcement of the state’s waste management laws to ensure that solid waste in Kaduna and other towns is properly disposed of.
Since assuming office, Victor has rejuvenated the agency’s environmental drive, emphasizing compliance, public awareness, and partnership with licensed waste management firms to restore Kaduna’s environmental integrity.
On Wednesday, 9 October 2025, KEPA embarked on a mobile court tour across corporate organizations in Kaduna to enforce its directive that all establishments must register and work with authorized waste management teams.
The mobile court visited several companies — including Sapphire, Rittys, FCMB, Synlab, Mussafir Hotel, and United Surgical Ltd — issuing fines and sanctions for various environmental offenses.
Sapphire Fined ₦150,000
The court adjourned the case involving Sapphire, imposing a ₦150,000 fine to be paid before the next hearing.
Rittys Faces Legal Dispute
Rittys, located at No. 26 Maiduguri Road, Kaduna, was accused of using an unauthorized waste disposal company. The firm pleaded not guilty.
Barr. Steve Swam, the prosecuting lawyer for KEPA, called Emmanuel Noel, KEPA’s Assistant Director and Chief Environmental Superintendent, as the principal witness. Noel testified that Rittys initially engaged Ecoblue Management, a licensed waste contractor, but later switched to an unapproved firm.
However, David Enwerem, General Manager of Rittys, told the court that his company had since registered its waste team with KEPA and obtained a license. He alleged that KEPA later insisted on being the sole body to manage their waste, which led to the dispute.
Barr. Swam cited KEPA’s environmental regulations, urging the court to examine Rittys’ license. Upon verifying its authenticity, he requested case withdrawal, but the judge ruled that the matter should continue to a full hearing.
FCMB Sanctioned
The First City Monument Bank (FCMB) on Constitution Road, Kaduna, was fined ₦50,000 for failing to comply with KEPA regulations.
The bank had argued that it used an authorized vendor, but the court ruled otherwise.
Synlab Penalized for Obstruction
Synlab was fined ₦50,000 for non-compliance and an additional ₦30,000 against one staff member for contempt of court after obstructing KEPA officers on duty.
Mussafir Hotel, United Surgical Ltd Also Fined
Mussafir Hotel was sanctioned ₦500,000 for operating without an authorized waste management firm.
Similarly, United Surgical Ltd was fined ₦500,000 for the first offense and ₦50,000 for the second, after officials testified that the company’s staff obstructed the mobile court team.
The court dismissed the defense’s claim of inadequate notification, noting that the offense had been clearly stated in the summons.
Ecoblue: ‘We’ll Keep Kaduna Clean and Safe’
In his remarks, Mr. Uchenna Jumbo, Consultant to KEPA and Head of Ecoblue Waste Management, reaffirmed the partnership’s goal of building a cleaner and healthier Kaduna.
“We are committed to keeping Kaduna’s environment clean and safe. Every waste management organization should be registered with Ecoblue, where they will be trained on proper disposal practices,” Jumbo said.
He added that Ecoblue would track waste movements to prevent dumping at unauthorized sites, urging residents and companies to confirm with KEPA and Ecoblue before engaging waste handlers.
Jumbo expressed optimism that under Yahaya Yakubu Victor’s leadership, Kaduna would soon become “a clean, eco-friendly city with an efficient waste management system.”
‘Fruitful Exercise,’ Says KEPA Lawyer
Speaking to journalists, Barr. Steve Swam, KEPA’s lead attorney, described the mobile court exercise as a success.
“Today was very fruitful because most organizations complied after KEPA’s earlier notices. The few that failed to comply were sanctioned accordingly,” he said.
He added that the new management’s commitment to environmental reform was already yielding results.
Cleaner Kaduna in Sight
Observers say the new KEPA administration has brought renewed energy to the state’s environmental sector. The ongoing enforcement drive, backed by the mobile court initiative, is expected to transform Kaduna into a model of urban cleanliness and environmental discipline in the North.
Dan Zaki Media 