A new generation church has been sealed by a Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Nnewi, Anambra State over noise pollution.
This order was issued in a case presided over by Emekwue AC after the church was sued by the Director of Environmental Health Services and the Nnewi North Local Government Area; now the church has been issued 10days to relocate to another area.
WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that the church was prosecuted on a two-count charge under the public health laws of Anambra state.
The situation was described as “prejudicial to human health” by the prosecution which is punishable under section 21 of the public health laws of Anambra state 2006.
“The church was accused of a mounting an amplifier and five loudspeakers in front of its premises, tuned at a very high pitch, leading to serious noise pollution and restless night within the neighbourhood.
The church was also accused of failing to comply with terms and requisition of abatement notice referenced No: 00000896 served on it.
The prosecution maintained that the condition was punishable under sections 8(1,4b) and 9(1, 2) of the public health laws of Anambra state.
It presented three witnesses who all testified that the church activities, particularly during its vigils held between 11 pm to 4 am constituted source of noise pollution as well as serious disturbance to an 86 year-old woman.
The President-General of the community who appeared as a witness to the defendant, said he was a neighbour to the complainant, adding that the church activities did not disturb anybody.
Delivering judgement on the matter, Emekwue AC directed that the church should be sealed and relocated to another area.