A Magistrate Court sitting at Rijiyar Zaki in Kano State has convicted and sentenced Alhaji Inuwa Ayuba to two months imprisonment.
Ayuba has an option of fine, for the illegal felling of seven neem trees in Sarauniya village, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court also ordered Ayuba to plant 14 neem trees as part of his penalty.
The prosecution counsel, Barrister Bahijja H. Aliyu, explained that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s monitoring team acted swiftly after receiving a tip-off about the illegal felling, which contravenes the state’s environmental regulations and laws.
The ministry apprehended the suspect and gathered evidence, which was presented before the court. After reviewing the facts, the court found Ayuba guilty and sentenced him accordingly.
Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru M. Hashim, commended the ministry’s enforcement team and the judiciary for their commitment to environmental protection.
“The conviction of this individual serves as a deterrent to others who engage in illegal activities that harm our environment,” Dr. Hashim said. “We will continue to work tirelessly to protect and preserve our natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.”
The Ministry urged all residents to comply with environmental regulations and report cases of environmental degradation to the appropriate authorities.
It will be recalled that the Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) recently secured laws prohibiting the illegal cutting of trees, pollution, and open defecation within the state.
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