Kano Government Agrees to N3 Billion Compensation for Demolished Shops: Settlement Reached

The Kano government has agreed to compensate the Incorporated Trustees of Masallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders Association with N3 billion for the demolition of their properties. This decision follows an application on terms of settlement filed on December 13, and dated December 12, by the counsel to the involved parties before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.

The legal action was initiated by 56 applicants on behalf of the association after their shops were demolished on the orders of Governor Abba Yusuf. The lawsuit, marked FHC/KN/CS/208/2023, targeted the Kano government, its Urban Planning and Development Authority, the attorney general, the police, the assistant inspector general of police Zone 1, Kano, the police commissioner in Kano, the NSCDC commandant, and the NSCDC Kano command.

Justice Samuel Amobeda had previously ordered the state government to pay the traders N30 billion as compensation, overturning the traders’ initial demand of N250 billion for the illegal demolition. In response to the government’s failure to comply with the court order, the traders filed a motion seeking a garnishee order Nisi to attach funds of the Kano government, KNUPDA, attorney general, and other relevant accounts.

Upon resuming the hearing on Thursday, counsel to the traders, Dr N A Ayagi, informed the court that a settlement had been reached. The terms of settlement were adopted by both parties, and Justice Ekwo subsequently delivered the judgment as consented to by all involved parties.