A magistrate court in Kano has convicted two men for conspiracy and illegal tree felling, in violation of the state’s environmental laws.

The conviction was disclosed in a statement by the Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

The defendants, Salihu Mukhtar and an accomplice, were sentenced on Thursday, July 17, 2025, by Justice Auwalu Yusuf of Court 2, Normasland, for cutting down a tree along Jigawa Road, Nasarawa GRA without authorization.

Prosecuting counsel, Barrister Bahijjah H. Aliyu, told the court that the defendants conspired to fell the tree illegally, breaching the Kano State Penal Code and Forestry Laws.

The court sentenced each to three months imprisonment or ₦20,000 fine for conspiracy, and six months imprisonment or ₦50,000 fine for illegal felling.

“The Ministry strongly condemns all acts of environmental vandalism, particularly illegal deforestation, which undermines the government’s efforts toward climate resilience, urban beautification, and improved air quality.” The statement partly reads.

The Commissioner for environment and climate change, Dr. Dahiru M. Hashim, reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on deforestation. He urged the public to report environmental crimes to the appropriate channel.

Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, a member of the Saudi royal family often referred to as the ‘Sleeping Prince,’ has passed away nearly two decades after falling into a coma following a car crash in 2005.

A nephew of the billionaire businessman Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, the late prince had remained in an unresponsive state for 19 years, since being admitted to hospital following a car accident in 2005.

He became a quiet but enduring symbol of faith and resilience for many in the Arab world.

After he was confirmed dead on Saturday, family sources announced plans for his funeral scheduled to take place in Riyadh on Sunday.

In what has been described as a deeply disheartening and unlawful action, an illustrious son of Umuakali Naze in Owerri North LGA of Imo State, Engr. Bernard Anyanwu-Nzerem, popularly known as Engr. Benco, has passionately cried out following the demolition of his multi-billion-naira shopping mall and associated structures.

The demolished commercial complex and other surrounding buildings reportedly valued at over ₦2.2 billion, belonged to Engr.Benco.

According to the depressed victim, the massive property was unlawfully brought down by two high-ranking officials in the Imo State Government.

They are: Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Monitoring and Compliance, and Hon. Engr. Ikenna Elezieanya, the Commissioner for Science/Technology, and Engineering.

The incident has sparked public outrage, with many calling for a thorough investigation.

Engr. Benco is appealing for justice and adequate compensation for the loss of his multi-billion-naira investment.

Speaking with a team of Imo-based journalists on Friday, July 11, 2025, in Owerri, the PortHarcourt-Based-General Contractor, Engr.Benco, recounted the trauma he experienced upon discovering that his entire investment had been reduced to rubble during his absence from the state.

According to him, the demolished structures, including a modern business plaza, were located at No. 1 Naze/Federal Polytechnic Junction, off Owerri/Aba Road, and were fully approved by relevant authorities.

He maintained that the land was lawfully acquired in 2010 from Nipec Nigeria Limited, which had earlier purchased the property from the Naze community in 1982.

“All transaction documents were signed and endorsed by the elders and representatives of the seven clans of Naze,” Engr. Benco explained.

“Some of these respected elders who appended their respective signatories with Nipec Nigeria Limited are now late, but all the records are there intact.”

During a media chat with journalists, Engr. Benco addressed the contentious circumstances surrounding the recent demolition of his multi-billion-naira property, describing the incident as both deeply painful and grossly unjust.

The Naze man, Engr.Benco, clarified to ThePressman Newspaper and other journalists, that contrary to certain natures, he revealed that his land was duly registered with a root title, power of attorney, and allocation papers, while the Certificate of Occupancy was in process before demolition occurred.

He passionately appealed to Governor Hope Uzodimma to restore his rightful property.

According to him, the affected structures were not located on land officially acquired by the government for the proposed Naze Bus Terminal project.

Rather, he explained that his property, which lies within a clearly demarcated portion of Mkporo land, shares boundaries with the area the state government has earmarked for development.

“The land in question, popularly known as Mkporo land, has never been fully acquired by any administration, despite longstanding interest in designing it as the Mkporo Layout,” Engr. Benco stated.

He further revealed that he had submitted a comprehensive set of legal documents establishing ownership, including a registered Power of Attorney (No. 17, Page 17, Volume 276 of 1982), allocation letters, and official payment receipts.

In an emotional appeal, Engr. Benco called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to personally intervene and ensure that justice is served.

Citing the Igbo adage “Akurulo”—meaning “let the rightful owner enjoy his harvest”—he implored the Governor to protect citizens’ rights and uphold the rule of law.

“Due diligence procedures were not followed. Those who ordered the demolition of my property were clearly misinformed,” he asserted.

Engr. Benco categorically refuted claims that his demolished property was situated on government-acquired land, emphasizing the legitimacy of his ownership and his prior compliance with all administrative requirements.

He passionately appealed to Governor Uzodimma to take swift action to redress the injustice and restore his rights.

Engr. Benco revealed that he submitted all necessary legal documents, such as the Power of Attorney, and other ownership documents, to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), led by Sir.Cosmos Iwu, the Office of the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the Governor’s Office, and other relevant authorities.

Despite forwarding these official documents for proper verification and intervention, no action was taken to prevent the demolition.

Bernard expressed shock that all these efforts were ignored until the buildings were demolished by Nze Nwaneri and Engr. Elezieanya.

He further stated that his desperate appeals to both officials to halt the demolition and carry out due diligence were completely disregarded.

He alleged that they stormed the property site with armed police officers and political thugs, using heavy-duty equipment to bring down the structures while he was away in Lagos attending a professional training program.

“I was not even in Owerri town but in Lagos when it happened. They didn’t wait to engage in proper investigation before the demolition,” he said.

“I am fully aware that the official Imo State government documents clearly demarcated the boundaries of the Naze land, which excludes the location of my demolished multimillion-naira structures;

“Unfortunately, due diligence was ignored, and no proper investigation was conducted. I am earnestly appealing to Governor Uzodimma to restore my land for rebuilding”, Engr.Benco beseeched.

He described the incident as a deliberate act of injustice, stressing that the demolished property had no encumbrances and was not situated on any government-acquired land meant for the proposed Imo Central Bus Terminal.

He also affirmed that the Imo State Commissioner for Lands, Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu, had earlier reviewed and validated the authenticity of his documents.

To make matters worse, Engr. Benco disclosed that five of his staff members, including a commercial driver, were unlawfully arrested and detained for five days at Tiger Base during the operation.

Now facing the overwhelming emotional and economic consequences of the demolition, Engr. Benco admitted to battling serious distress.

He disclosed that over 120 Imo youths who earned their livelihoods from the shopping plaza are now jobless, compounding his anguish.

“This situation has thrown me into a dark place emotionally. It’s difficult to cope with the reality of losing everything I have worked for over 15 years,” he said.

He accused the two govt.officials of abuse of power, alleging that their motives were rooted in personal interests rather than public good.

In a passionate appeal, Engr. Benco has called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to urgently intervene and ensure he receives fair and adequate compensation following the demolition of his property.

He expressed deep faith in the Governor’s integrity and sense of justice, stating that he strongly believes the Governor was not informed or aware of the unlawful demolition.

Engr. Benco emphasized that his plea is not just for personal redress but also a call for justice and accountability.

The Naze-Born-Engr.Benco, urged Governor Uzodimma to investigate the matter thoroughly and take swift action to correct the injustice and restore hope to the affected.

“This matter transcends my personal loss; it is a plea for justice,” he stated. “I am earnestly appealing to our Governor, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma, whom I strongly believe is not aware of the injustice that has occurred;

“I implore him to intervene, uphold the values of justice, and extend the Shared Prosperity mantra by ensuring I receive adequate compensation for my demolished property;

“I have faith in his leadership and trust that he will respond swiftly and fairly to this grave issue. This is not just about my plight—it’s about restoring hope and justice to the common man.”

Engr. Benco’s outcry underscores the broader implications of unchecked official actions and serves as a call for transparency, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ rights in governance.