ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A magistrate court in Kano State has sentenced a Nigerian man, Mohammed Saidu, to two weeks in prison and imposed a N100,000 fine after he was found storing more than 50 bags of human faeces outside his residence, creating a foul odour that residents said disrupted daily life and posed a serious public health risk.
Saidu was arraigned after residents alerted environmental officials about the offensive smell emanating from his property.
Delivering judgment, Magistrate Halima Wali described his actions as highly inconsiderate and a threat to public health. She ordered that he be remanded for 14 days, pay a fine of N100,000, and immediately remove all the waste from the premises.
The court heard that Saidu, who earns a living by emptying septic tanks, had allegedly been collecting the waste for resale to farmers as fertiliser. Although the practice is known in some parts of the region, it is rarely discussed publicly.
Speaking on the matter, local community leader Musa Abdullahi told the BBC that the scale of the waste storage was alarming.
“I think he had close to 50 bags of faeces the first time the complaint reached me,” Abdullahi said.
Residents of the area said the smell had become unbearable, making it difficult for them to remain comfortably in their homes.
READ ALSO Court Declares N110bn NASS Vehicle Allowance Illegal
One of the complainants, Samaila Inuwa, said neighbours initially attempted to resolve the issue amicably before involving authorities.
“We spoke to him about it but he didn’t stop,” Inuwa said.
Before issuing her ruling, Magistrate Wali personally visited the property to verify the allegations. Following her inspection, she ordered Saidu not to repeat the offence after removing the waste.
Saidu pleaded guilty in court to a charge of endangering public health.
According to Inuwa, the court’s intervention has significantly improved living conditions in the neighbourhood.
“Finally, our neighbourhood is enjoyable once more without any bad smell,” he said.
Abdullahi revealed that he had previously warned Saidu when he first began storing the waste.
“When he first started it, I spoke to him about it and he packed them out [removed them] and stopped,” Abdullahi said. “I did not know when he resumed.”
He added that residents chose to bypass him on the second occasion and instead reported the matter directly to the relevant authorities.
Although his own residence was located far enough away not to be affected by the odour, Abdullahi said he understood the concerns of those living closer to the property.
“My mission is for everybody in this area to live in peace,” he said. “When he is released, we will talk to him and the neighbours again.”
The community leader expressed hope that dialogue after Saidu’s release would help restore harmony among residents and prevent a recurrence of the incident.