A Nigerian man has been sentenced to prison after accumulating vast quantities of human waste in his home, sparking outrage from public health officials who describe the situation as a 'grave hygiene crisis.' The case, heard at Manchester Crown Court, saw the defendant, 42-year-old Chidi Okonkwo, plead guilty to charges of public nuisance and environmental health violations.
Okonkwo's property in Moss Side was discovered by council workers following complaints from neighbours about a 'strong, unbearable odour.' Inside, officers found rooms filled with faeces and urine, some stored in buckets and plastic containers, others simply left on floors. The council's environmental health team described the conditions as 'the worst they had ever seen,' with surfaces coated in waste and flies breeding in every room. A local GP warned that such environments can spread diseases including hepatitis A and E. coli.
'Nobody should have to live like this, and nobody should have to tolerate this next door,' said Councillor Angela Rayner, chair of Manchester's housing committee. 'We are seeing a failure in mental health support and community care that leaves vulnerable individuals to fester.'
Okonkwo, who had lived in the UK for 15 years, told the court that he had been suffering from severe depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder following the death of his mother in Lagos two years ago. His barrister argued that he had been failed by the NHS, which had only provided sporadic counselling despite repeated requests for help. 'He was not in control of his actions; he was a victim of a broken system,' the barrister said.
Judge Sarah McLachlan rejected this defence, sentencing Okonkwo to 18 months in prison. 'This was not a private matter of hoarding in your own home. This was a public health emergency that endangered your neighbours and yourself. You had ample opportunity to seek help, but you chose to ignore all advice,' she said.
The case has reignited debate about hoarding disorder and the inadequacies of mental health provision in working-class communities. Charities such as Hoarding UK argue that prison is not the answer. 'Criminalising mental illness never solves the problem,' said director Louise Holloway. 'We need more council-funded cleaning services and psychological support, not cells.'
Local resident Fatima Ahmed, 34, whose children played next door, expressed relief. 'It was a nightmare. We couldn't open windows. Flies came into our house. I feel sorry for him, but we needed this to end.'
Public Health England has issued guidance for councils on handling severe hoarding cases, but many say they lack the resources. A spokesperson said: 'The cost of cleaning Okonkwo's property exceeded £80,000, money that could have been spent on early intervention.'
Okonkwo will serve half his sentence before deportation is considered. His legal team has indicated an appeal.
