April 18, 2026
By SUNTV Global Channel
A Nigerian-born medical doctor based in the United States is facing a possible $1 million fine in California after being accused of illegally cutting down dozens of protected trees without official approval.
The doctor, identified as Matthew Bernard, is alleged to have removed about 38 protected trees in the Oakland Hills area between 2021 and 2022, an action that has sparked a heated legal and political debate in the city of Oakland.
According to city officials, the trees were cut down without the required permits, a violation of environmental protection laws designed to preserve urban forests and reduce wildfire risks in the region.
Authorities say the case involves not only Bernard’s undeveloped property along Claremont Avenue but also nearby public land and neighbouring properties, raising concerns over widespread environmental damage.
Arborists and city officials warned that the removal of the trees could increase environmental risks, particularly in areas already vulnerable to wildfires.
Bernard, however, denied wrongdoing, stating that the trees were removed based on professional advice from an arborist who reportedly identified them as potential fire hazards. He also insisted that he acted in good faith and attempted to comply with local regulations.
Despite his explanation, city officials maintain that no valid permits were issued before the tree removal took place.
The case has escalated into a major dispute within the Oakland City Council, with lawmakers divided over the appropriate penalty. Environmental advocates are pushing for the maximum $1 million fine, arguing that strict enforcement is necessary to prevent wealthy property owners from ignoring environmental laws.
During a heated council session, council member Carroll Fife raised concerns about racial implications of the proposed punishment, arguing that the case could disproportionately affect a Black property owner in a historically white-dominated neighbourhood.
Her comments sparked backlash from other council members, including Janani Ramachandran, who rejected the racial argument and insisted that the matter should be treated strictly as an environmental violation.
The council has so far failed to reach a final decision. An initial vote to impose the full $1 million penalty ended in a tie, while a second attempt to reduce the fine also failed. The matter has now been postponed for further review, with another hearing scheduled for May 5.
The case has drawn widespread attention across California due to its unusual combination of environmental law, racial debate, and the involvement of a Nigerian immigrant facing one of the largest penalties ever considered in a tree-cutting dispute.
If the fine is approved, it could set a major legal precedent for environmental enforcement in the state.
