Demolition: Court Orders Kano Gov’t To Pay N30bn Compensation In 7 Days

A Federal High Court in Kano has ordered the Kano State Government to pay a sum of N30 billion within seven days in a lawsuit brought by the Incorporated Trustees of Masallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders against the government.

The motion seeks a stay of execution of the court’s previous judgment delivered on 29th September, 2023.

The judgment had ordered the Kano State Government to pay the Incorporated Trustees of Masallacin Eid Shop Owners the same amount for the unlawful demolition of their shops without following proper legal procedures.

Justice Samuel Amobeda, the presiding judge, had conditionally ruled that the sum of N30 billion be deposited in the Court Bank Account within seven days, pending the outcome of the appeal process.

The Commissioner of Works for Kano State, Marwan Ahmed, faced potential consequences for continuing to tamper with the properties against the court’s judgment.

The notice warned of potential contempt and imprisonment if the order was not followed.

The Kano State Government had sought a motion for a stay of execution, and this motion was granted by Justice Amobeda on the condition that they pay the N30 billon.

The court’s orders stated that the execution of the judgment from suit number FHC/KN/Cs/208/2023, involving the Incorporated Trustees of Masallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders Association, shall be stayed pending the appeal’s determination.

The court’s order ensures that the execution of the previous judgment is stayed until the appeal’s determination, with details of the account to be obtained from the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court.

The deposited sum, along with accruing interests and administrative charges, will be paid to the winning party in the appeal.

The Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice argued that the case centers on the ownership of the properties, claiming that they belong to the state government.