Despite the ban imposed by the Delta State government on the operations of unlicensed metal scavengers, popularly known as “Iron Condemn”, some people appear to have ignored the order and continued to operate in towns, particularly in Asaba , the state capital.

A mobile court sitting in Asaba today jailed 12 of these scrap metal collectors for operating without due process and failing to obtain license from the state government.

Several other people have also been arrested and, if found guilty, will serve various prison sentences without the possibility of a fine, in order to deter others.

The Chairman of the Task Force, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu, while welcoming the court decision, assured residents that the State Government would continue to do what is necessary to protect lives and property, and maintain law and order .

He urged residents to report any suspicious movements and criminal activities to local law enforcement officers and vigilantes in cities and towns, adding that the state environmental commissioner and task force will continue to do necessary until the unlicensed operators of Iron Condemn are shown the way out of Delta State. .

Meanwhile, Fred Oghenesivbe, the
The Director General of the Delta State Orientation and Communication Office has urged residents of the state not to patronize unlicensed iron collectors to avoid arrest and prosecution.
It is and remains illegal to do business with lawbreakers and rebels, he warned.

According to him, existing regulations and laws in the state clearly prohibit door-to-door collection or pickup of scrap metal and other recyclable materials, use of carts or other portable media such as bags, etc.

He noted, however, that there is mandatory registration, licensing and annual renewal of operating licenses for those involved in the scrap metal and other renewable materials collection sector.

“Operators must report their staff and individuals engaged in the collection of scrap metal and other recyclable materials to the appropriate government agencies.

“The means of identification of personnel and persons engaged in the collection of scrap metal and other recyclable materials are mandatory, while employees must wear clothing with identification and license numbers visible to employers.

“Mandatory registration, registration and annual renewal of registrations of vehicles and other approved means of collecting scrap metal or other recyclable materials intended for sale are non-negotiable.”

It is noteworthy that the ban on unlicensed Iron Condemn operators in Delta State is still in effect, violators will be apprehended and prosecuted and imprisoned by the competent court, Oghenesivbe concluded.