Begging banned in Borno State

Effective today (Monday), the government of Nigeria’s Borno State will prosecute individuals caught begging within the metropolis, especially at intersections. A report on the allAfrica site notes that a mobile court has been established to deal with such cases. ‘The command will not fold its arms and watch unscrupulous elements jeopardise the hard earned peace and security of the state,’ said police spokesperson Usman Usmobik. Street begging is already illegal in Lagos, Nigeria's most populous city. It carries fines of $210 and up to three months' imprisonment.