Ocha-Brigade Cautions Members Not To Arrest Minors, Persons Over 60 Years Of Age For Open Urination Offenses In Anambra

Raymond Ozoji August 12, 2024

By Raymond Ozoji, Awka

The Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (Ocha-Brigade) has cautioned its members not to arrest underaged persons and persons over 60 years of aged for open urination offenses in the state.

The organisation has also cautioned its members against use of brutal force in the course of enforcing environmental laws in the state but apply human face in the fight against environmental degradations.

Addressing members of the brigade in Onitsha during its Monday parade, unit coordinator Mr. Ejike Odife who spoke on behalf of the Managing Director Mr. Celestine Anere, equally warned its personnel against overstepping boundaries while carrying out their lawful duties.

Odife whose scope of operation is within Boromeo Roundabout to Bridge Head Onitsha, Uga junction and Ogbaru council area, urged the gallant brigade members to only caution underaged persons caught violating environmental laws through open urination, defecation and others but not to molest or arrest them.

Odife also charged the Ocha-Brigade members not to arrest those above 60 years of age for public urination offenses as he pointed out that those in such category could be diabetic and suffering from uncontrollable frequent urination.

Although he stated that the aforementioned persons were not above the law but the need to caution them against such unhealthy practices is of paramount importance to avoid reoccurrence and its attendant consequences.

He said those were extreme exceptional cases and should be shown mercy through serious warning to avoid a repeat of such insanity in public glare.

He therefore admonished them to shun all forms of incriminating activities during enforcements but strictly operate within the ambit of the law as the management of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra(Ocha-Brigade) will not hesitate to arrest any member of the brigade found wanting.

He also added that the Managing Director Mr. Celestine Anere is a disciplined and a no-nonsense person and will not condone any act of lawlessness and indiscipline from members.