A Magistrate Court in Ningi LGA of Bauchi State has sentenced three people to one year imprisonment each for engaging in illegal logging and charcoal production, in violation of the State environmental protection laws.
The convicted individuals, 19-year-old Samaila Abdullahi of Gadar Maiwa, 40-year-old Adamu Rabo of Balma, and 40-year-old Baninge Musa of Ningi town, were arraigned before Magistrate Ahmad Musa by Ningi LG for unlawfully felling trees, producing charcoal, and transporting it without legal authorization.
Recall that the Ningi Emirate Council has set up a high-powered committee to control illegal tree felling, charcoal, and timber production in the area.
During the hearing, the prosecuting officer, Inspector Nura Abdullahi, presented the charges to the court.
The accused pleaded guilty and requested leniency.
In his ruling, Magistrate Ahmad Musa gave them the option of a N100,000 fine each.
They were also ordered to pay an additional N30,000 each to cover police operational costs.
The court ruled that the offence violated Section 124 (326) of the 2022 Bauchi State Penal Code, which emphasizes the state’s firm stance against environmental offences.
