Court action taken after neighbours report severe smell in Kano
A man in northern Nigeria has been jailed for two weeks after neighbours complained that he kept bags of human waste outside his home, causing a strong and unbearable smell in the area.
The case was heard in the city of Kano after residents alerted environmental officials about the situation. Authorities later took Mohammed Saidu to court over public health concerns linked to the stored waste.
Neighbours raised alarm over health and smell
Residents said the odour from the property made daily life difficult. Some reported that they could not sit outside or relax in their homes because of the smell.
One neighbour, Samaila Inuwa, said people first tried to resolve the issue directly with Saidu. He added that the warnings were ignored and the situation continued.
Local chief Musa Abdullahi also said he was informed early on and spoke to Saidu after the first complaints. He said the waste was removed at one point, but later returned.
Waste linked to fertiliser practice
Saidu works emptying septic tanks. He is believed to have stored the waste for resale to farmers, where human waste is sometimes used as fertiliser in the region. The practice exists in some areas but is rarely discussed openly.
Reports suggest nearly 50 bags of waste were seen at the property when complaints were first raised.
Court ruling and penalty
Saidu admitted in court to the charge of endangering public health. A magistrate visited the site before issuing the ruling and ordered that the waste be removed completely.
He was sentenced to 14 days in prison and fined 100,000 naira, equal to about 55 dollars. The court also warned him not to repeat the act.
Authorities said the situation improved after the case was taken to court, with residents reporting that the smell had stopped and normal life had returned.
