Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A 14-day prison sentence and a fine of ₦100,000 have been handed down to a man in northern Nigeria after neighbours complained that he had stored dozens of bags of human faeces outside his home, creating an unbearable stench that made daily life impossible. Mohammed Saidu, a septic tank emptier by trade, was taken to a magistrate court in Kano after residents reported the foul smell to environmental officials. Magistrate Halima Wali ordered that he be detained for 14 days and fined ₦100,000 (approximately $74 or £55), describing his conduct as highly inconsiderate and a danger to public health.
The case came to light after neighbours lodged complaints with environmental authorities, alleging that the offensive odour from the waste had made daily life unbearable. Residents said several attempts were made to persuade Saidu to stop the practice, but their appeals reportedly yielded no results, prompting them to seek government intervention. Saidu, who earns a living by emptying septic tanks, is believed to have been collecting and storing the waste for resale to farmers who use it as fertiliser, a practice that exists in some parts of northern Nigeria but is rarely acknowledged publicly. Reports indicate that dozens of bags containing human waste were discovered at the property when officials investigated the complaints.
Before delivering judgment, Magistrate Halima Wali personally visited the residence to assess the situation. She ordered Saidu to remove all the waste from the premises and undertake not to repeat the offence. One of the affected residents, Samaila Inuwa, said the neighbourhood had struggled with the stench for an extended period, adding that residents could barely enjoy their homes because of the persistent smell. He expressed relief over the court’s intervention, noting that conditions in the area had improved significantly since authorities took action. “Finally, our neighbourhood is enjoyable once more without any bad smell,” Inuwa said.
Local community leader Musa Abdullahi disclosed that he had previously cautioned Saidu when reports of the waste storage first emerged. According to him, the suspect initially complied and removed the bags before later resuming the practice without the community’s knowledge. “I think he had close to 50 bags of faeces the first time the complaint reached me,” Abdullahi told the BBC. He added that neighbours had chosen to bypass him this time and go directly to the authorities. Although his own house was located far enough away to avoid the smell, Abdullahi said he understood the frustrations of affected residents. “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.”
In court, Saidu pleaded guilty to the charge of endangering public health. The magistrate’s ruling has been welcomed by residents, who said the neighbourhood had become liveable again after months of suffering. Saidu will serve his two‑week sentence and pay the fine, after which community leaders hope to mediate a lasting peace between him and his neighbours.
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