By Uzair Adam
A Kano State High Court has ordered the Kano State Government to pay N8.511 billion to Lamash Properties Limited as compensation for the demolition of buildings carried out on the directive of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in June 2023.
The court also mandated the state government, Governor Yusuf, and the attorney general to pay an additional N10 million to cover the cost of filing the lawsuit.
Lamash Properties Limited, through its counsel Nureini Jimoh, SAN, argued that the property was legally acquired through a valid agreement with the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Justice Sunusi Ma’aji, who presided over the case, ruled that the agreement was enforceable and criticized the demolition as unwarranted.
The court ordered monetary compensation equivalent to the buildings’ value since restoration was not possible.
Defendants’ counsel, Ibrahim Wangida, alleged procedural lapses, including a lack of proper notification for court proceedings.
He disclosed that the defense team had filed a motion to nullify the judgment, which was dismissed by the court.
The Kano State Government has faced significant financial consequences due to the governor’s demolition of structures deemed illegal.
Earlier in September 2023, a Federal High Court awarded N30 billion in damages against the government for demolitions at Kofar Mata Eid Ground.
Governor Yusuf’s actions have drawn both support and criticism, with some applauding his efforts to reclaim public property and others condemning his approach as arbitrary.