The Bayelsa State Environment and Sanitation Authority (ESA) has filed a three-count charge against the owners of King George’s Court Hotel and Shopping Mall in Etegwe, Yenagoa, for allegedly discharging sewage unlawfully into neighbourhood drains.
In Charge No. YMC/ESA/MISC67/2026, the authority accused the hotel of failing to comply with an abatement notice to stop the discharge, continuing to release sewage into public drains, and polluting the neighbourhood environment.
The offences are punishable under Section 184(a) and (b) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C4, Laws of Bayelsa State, 2006.
At Tuesday’s hearing, defence counsel, Barr. Philip Omoru, informed the court that his client was absent due to ill health and sought an adjournment.
Prosecuting counsel, Barr. Clerverson George, did not oppose the request but warned that future health-related absences must be supported by medical certification.
Presiding judge, Justice Brossa-Ere Merriam, adjourned the matter to June 2, 2026, for hearing.
A resident and nominal complainant, Bukuromo Duabofa, told the court she had endured offensive odours from the sewage for over a year.
She said the discharge, channelled through pipes into open gutters beside her home, makes breathing difficult and affects residents’ health.
“What we want is for them to remove those pipes from the public gutters and find a proper way to manage their waste,” she said.
The Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Environment, Comrade Morris Alagoa, commended the ESA for prosecuting the case and praised residents for seeking legal redress instead of resorting to self-help.
Alagoa referenced Article 24 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, emphasising the right to a healthy environment, and urged investors and corporate bodies to comply with environmental laws while the government continues to create a conducive environment for business.
