A magistrate court in Kano State, northern Nigeria, has sentenced Mohammed Saidu to 14 days in prison and imposed a 100,000 naira fine after finding him guilty of endangering public health by storing multiple bags of human faeces outside his residence, a practice that sparked complaints over a persistent stench.
Saidu was arraigned after residents reported the offensive smell to environmental health authorities.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Magistrate Halima Wali ordered his remand for two weeks, fined him 100,000 Naira, and directed the immediate removal of all waste from the property, warning against a repeat offense.
Court proceedings showed Saidu, a septic tank evacuator, had been storing human waste in sacks, allegedly for sale as fertilizer, a practice subject to health regulation.
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Community leader Musa Abdullahi told the court residents first raised alarm after the odour became unbearable, estimating “close to 50 bags” were at the site when the complaint was first escalated. He said he had earlier intervened but the conduct resumed.
Another resident, Samaila Inuwa, said neighbours initially tried to resolve the issue informally but reported it after warnings were ignored.
Magistrate Wali was said to have inspected the premises before ruling.
Residents later said conditions had improved significantly, with the offensive smell no longer present.