A man in the northern Nigerian city of Kano has been sentenced to two weeks in prison and fined 100,000 naira after neighbours reported that he was storing bags of human faeces outside his house, creating an unbearable stench that threatened public health.
Mohammed Saidu, who works collecting waste from septic tanks, allegedly sold the faeces as fertiliser to local farmers, a practice common in the region but rarely openly discussed. Neighbours first tried to resolve the matter privately, but the smell became so overwhelming that residents could not relax at home, prompting the local chief to step in.
He later reported the issue to environmental officials and the case was brought before Magistrate Wali, who personally inspected the property and confirmed the presence of dozens of bags stocked outside the premises.
The magistrate described Saidu’s actions as highly inconsistent and a threat to neighbour’s health, ordered him to clear all waste, and warned that he must never repeat the offence. He also mandated a 14‑day detention and prescribed the fine.
Local chief Musa Abdullahi said his own home was far enough away that he was not affected, but he understood the community’s frustration and pledged to keep residents safe. When released, Saidu will be re‑engaged with the neighbourhood under close supervision.
The case illustrates the clash between informal waste‑management practices and community well‑being, highlighting the importance of prompt action when public health is at risk.
