Five Nigerians have been sent to prison after their goats destroyed ornamental plants maintained by the Kano state government.
Their goats had grazed freely destroying plants along Lodge Road and Race Course Road.
The magistrate court sentenced them to one month in prison for violating Section 7(e) of the Kano State Public Health Law, 2019. The section prohibits any act that causes environmental nuisance or degrades public infrastructure.
According to the prosecution led by Barrister Bahijjah H. Aliyu, a total of 17 goats belonging to the five individuals were found grazing on government-owned greenery.
These plants were specifically cultivated to enhance the city’s aesthetics and mitigate the impact of climate change.
“These plants are not just for beautification, they are part of the state’s efforts to combat climate change and improve the quality of life for residents,” Barrister Aliyu told the court.
The court found the defendants guilty and sentenced each of them to one month imprisonment.
However, the magistrate offered an option of a ₦25,000 fine each. In addition, they were jointly ordered to pay ₦100,000 in compensation for the damage caused to public property.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change emphasized the importance of responsible animal rearing, warning that stray livestock within city limits will not be tolerated.
“People must understand that their animals cannot roam freely and destroy public infrastructure,” the Ministry said in a statement.