KANO, Nigeria — A Federal High Court in Kano, presided over by Justice SA Amobeda, on Friday, June 23, 2023, has put an abrupt halt to the demolition of structures by the state government, led by Governor Abba Yusuf.
Saminu Muhammad, a resident of Kano, initiated the motion ex-parte through his lawyer, Professor Nasiru Aliyu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
The court order restrains the state government and its representatives from proceeding with the demolition of buildings situated along BUK Road.
Justice Amobeda specifically directed the government to abandon plans to demolish the properties of the applicant, which are located at No. 41 and 43 Salanta, along BUK Road in Kano.
Joined in the suit are the Kano State’s Attorney-General, Solicitor General, Governor, the state government, and the state Bureau for Land Management.
Additionally, the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority, Inspector-General of Police, Nigeria Police Force, Commissioner of Police, Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps are also respondents.
After hearing the motion put forth by the applicant’s counsel, the court expedited the case and adjourned it to July 10, 2023.
According to the court order, “That Order of this Court is hereby made in the interim, restraining the Respondents by themselves, agents, servant or proxies whatsoever called from encroaching, trespassing, entering, invading, demolishing or revoking the Applicant’s titles or doing any other act in respect of the Applicant’s property, No. 41 and 43 situate at Salanta, along BUK road, Kano, covered by Certificate of Occupancy, No. KNMLO8228 and Certificate of Occupancy No. KNMLO8229, pending the hearing and determination of the originating motion.”
The order also stipulates how the court’s order must be served to various respondents, with details regarding the proper channels and authorities through which service must be conducted, ensuring that the service is deemed “valid, personal, and proper.”
The ruling comes amidst growing concerns over the government’s redevelopment plans and their impact on local communities.
Residents have been on edge as the state government began demolitions, with many fearing for the security of their homes and properties.
This injunction is seen as a significant step in protecting citizens’ rights and properties while scrutinizing the state government’s actions.
It is likely to set a precedent for other such cases and will be closely watched for its outcome in the upcoming hearing in July.
