A Magistrate Court sitting in Benin City has pronounced a sentence of four days community sanitation service on one Mrs. Blessing Isikpojie, who was accused of assaulting one of the Edo State Waste Management Board road sweepers along Ugbowo Road.

According to the report, the incident occurred when the sweeper was confronted by Mrs. Isikpojie, a roadside trader during the former’s official duty of cleaning up the particular spot littered as a result of the activities of the accused. The confrontation degenerated to physical assault on the street sweeper, causing her harm and distress.

Due to the seriousness of the offence and the impact it had on the victim, Mrs. Isikpojie was arraigned in the Court. The Magistrate took cognisance of the offence and described it as an act of assault that is punishable under the law, and that the Court deemed it necessary to hold the accused accountable for her actions.

The Court also considered the fact that the victim was a public servant carrying out her duties for the cleanliness of the city and that any attack on her could have far-reaching consequences.

After hearing, the Magistrate said the accused was found guilty of assault and was sentenced to four days of community service with two hours of work each day in the Government Reserved Area (G. R. A.) and environs. According to the Magistrate, the sentence is designed to serve as a form of punishment for the offence committed and to make the accused realise the gravity of her actions.

“It is pertinent to note that community work is a constructive way of rehabilitating environmental offenders and making them understand the impact of their behaviour on society. By engaging her in community work, she will not only serve her punishment but also contribute positively to the cleaning of the city.

"It is a form of restorative justice that aims to correct the harm caused by the accused, which will further promote environmental sanitation, make individuals take responsibility for their actions as it relates to keeping their surroundings clean and obeying constituted authorities”, the Magistrate submitted.

To this end, the sentence pronounced on Mrs. Isikpojie for assaulting a street sweeper highlights the Judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice and promoting a sense of civic duty among individuals. It will send a strong message that acts of violence and aggression towards public servants will not be tolerated as it will be met with appropriate consequences.