The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority has commenced mobile court enforcement at Bodija Market, Ibadan, as part of efforts to curb illegal street trading and restore order in public spaces across the state.
The exercise led to the arraignment of several persons accused of displaying and selling goods on roads, pedestrian walkways, drainage channels and other unauthorised areas.
The cases were heard by Magistrate Olaniyan Folake Rachael. Some defendants were sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, with an option of ₦30,000 fine, while others were granted bail of ₦200,000 with one surety each.
The sureties were required to provide traceable addresses and valid means of identification. Cases involving those granted bail were adjourned until September 11, 2026, for hearing.
Speaking at the scene on behalf of OYRLEA Chairperson, Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), the Chief of Staff, Kofoworola Akinbode, said the mobile court was necessary to restore sanity to market environments and reinforce the authority’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Akinbode said the enforcement followed sustained sensitisation campaigns and previous operations aimed at discouraging illegal trading on roads, walkways and drainage channels.
She said the exercise demonstrated the government’s resolve to complement sensitisation with enforcement where violations persist, stressing that traders and residents must comply with laws regulating the use of public spaces.
Some market users welcomed the exercise, saying the indiscriminate display of goods on roads and walkways obstructed pedestrians and motorists and created avoidable safety risks.
OYRLEA said it would continue to combine sensitisation, enforcement and judicial action where necessary to promote a safer and more orderly environment across the state.