A Fulani herder, Muhammad Abdullahi has been sentenced to a one-year prison term for violating the law prohibiting open grazing in Benue State.
The indigene of Awe LGA, Nassarawa State was sentenced by Isaac Ajim of the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Makurdi on Thursday.
Police Prosecutor, ASP Gbakor Hyacinth informed the court that the convict was arrested by State Commander of the Livestock Guards, Linus Zaki, and his team on March 2, 2020, around 7:30 pm along Guma Village of Guma LGA with cows grazing openly.
He said that Abdullahi’s action contravened Section 19(2) of Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017 of the state.
Abdullahi pleaded guilty after the charges were read to him in Hausa.
Counsel to the accused, T.I. Ikyagba prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, saying that the accused was a first-time offender who did not waste the court’s time.
Chief Magistrate Agim proceeded to sentence the accused to one-year imprisonment with an option of a N500, 000 fine, after listening to the plea for leniency.
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In February, Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, ordered the state’s Livestock Guards to impound herd of cattle seen openly grazing in the state, noting that enforcement of the ranching law would continue to enable those who wish to do livestock business comply with its provisions.