The Kwara State Government has begun arresting, prosecuting, and convicting beggars and street urchins in Ilorin, the state capital, through a mobile court situated at the Ministry of Social Development headquarters.
The Commissioner for Social Development, Mariam Yusuf Imam, who led the enforcement operation, stated that the ministry’s task force conducted a coordinated sweep across major parts of the city, including Post Office, Taiwo Road, Asa-Dam Road, Gerin Alimi, and Tanke.
Those detained during the operation included men, women, and children caught begging in restricted areas of the metropolis.
According to Hajia Imam, the offenders were arraigned before the Mobile Court situated within the Ministry, where Senior Magistrate Jumoke Bello presided over the proceedings and delivered judgments that led to their conviction.
The Commissioner noted that the operation became necessary due to the increasing presence of street beggars and urchins, which poses a threat to public safety and urban order. She explained that despite several rounds of awareness campaigns and official warnings issued by the state government through various communication channels, the offenders continued to return to the streets, prompting more stringent enforcement measures.
Hajia Imam emphasised that the government had resolved to adopt a firm approach, including legal sanctions, to deter further violations. She warned that the clean-up exercise would be sustained and urged those involved to desist immediately and comply with government directives.
In her judgment, Magistrate Bello found the offenders guilty under the relevant provisions of the Kwara State Social Development Laws and sentenced them to community service as part of their punishment.