A Magistrate Court in Kano State has sentenced a man, Mohammed Saidu, to two weeks imprisonment and imposed a fine of N100,000 after finding him guilty of storing bags of human faeces outside his residence, creating a serious environmental and public health hazard.
The case followed complaints from residents of the area, who reported that the offensive odour emanating from the waste had made life difficult for members of the community.
According to reports, neighbours had repeatedly appealed to Saidu to stop the practice, but their efforts proved unsuccessful, prompting them to report the matter to environmental authorities.
Investigations revealed that Saidu, who works as a septic tank evacuator, had allegedly been collecting and storing human waste in bags for resale to farmers who use it as fertilizer, a practice known to exist in some northern communities.
Officials reportedly discovered dozens of bags containing human waste at the property during an inspection.
Before delivering judgment, Magistrate Halima Wali visited the residence to personally assess the situation and verify the complaints.
Describing the act as irresponsible and dangerous to public health, the court sentenced Saidu to 14 days in prison and ordered him to pay a N100,000 fine.
The court also directed him to immediately remove all waste from the premises and sign an undertaking not to engage in the practice again.
One of the affected residents, Samaila Inuwa, said the community had endured the foul smell for a long period, adding that many residents could barely enjoy their homes due to the persistent stench.
He welcomed the court’s intervention, noting that conditions in the neighbourhood had improved since authorities took action.
A community leader, Musa Abdullahi, disclosed that he had previously warned Saidu after receiving reports about the waste storage. According to him, the suspect initially complied by removing the bags but later resumed the practice without the knowledge of community leaders.
Abdullahi expressed hope that peace would be restored between Saidu and his neighbours after he serves his sentence and complies with the court’s directives.