Kano Govt Ignores Court Order, Demolishes Residences

Several Kano residents in Gurin Gawa community in Kumbotso local government area have been rendered homeless in a demolition exercise by the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) on Sunday.

The demolition came despite a court order by the State High Court which restrained KNUPDA from demolishing the structures.

Speaking with newsmen on Sunday, the lawyer representing 23 plaintiffs in the dispute, Abubakar Alhaji Rabi’u Doka, said his clients obtained an order from the state High Court which had been flouted by the state government.

He said, “My clients obtained a court order from the State High Court on December 22, 2023, with Justice Aisha Ibrahim Mahmoud as the trial judge. The court directed KNUPDA to cease demolition until further notice.

“However, to our surprise, KNUPDA disregarded the court order and proceeded with the demolition.

“In response, the plaintiffs plan to initiate contempt proceedings. They argue that KNUPDA’s refusal to comply with the court order has caused them severe damages.

“The plaintiffs own approximately 32 plots of land affected by the demolition and they intend to seek compensation through legal channels,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the managing director of KNUPDA, Ibrahim Yakubu Adamu, did not respond to calls and messages on the latest development as of the time of filing this report yesterday.