By John Odhe, YENAGOA
The case between the Bayelsa State Environmental Sanitation Authority and the management of King George’s Court over the alleged discharge of sewage into public drainage systems billed for hearing on Tuesday, suffered another setback at a Magistrate Court in Yenagoa.
At the resumed hearing, counsel to the defendant, Barr. Ayakorai Omoro, raised two preliminary objections, arguing that the Environmental Sanitation Authority lacks the legal authority to institute the suit and also contending that the defendant’s name was incorrectly spelled in the charge.
The case was therefore adjourned to the 30th of June, 2026 for adoption of court processes.
Speaking at the court premises after the adjournment of the case, a resident of the area, Becky Duabofa Bukuromo, expressed disappointment over the setback, maintaining that she would continue to follow up the case because of alleged health hazards residents have suffered as a result of the sewage discharge.
Also speaking, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Environment (1), Comrade Morris Alagoa, urged corporate organizations to comply with environmental regulations to safeguard public health and maintain sustainable living conditions, as the state government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses and investors.
Alagoa, who also serves as the deputy executive director of the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), stressed the significance of environmental health and called on residents to avoid practices that could lead to environmental health emergencies across the state.
In charge number YMC/ESA/MISC67/2026 under Magistrate, Brossa-Ere Merriam, the case borders on a three-count charge against King George’s Court for failing to comply with an abatement notice issued on March 18, 2026, directing the management to stop the alleged discharge of sewage within 14 days; an offence it said contravenes provisions of the Bayelsa State Public Health Law and Criminal Laws of 2006.
