Uba Sani Reverses el-Rufai’s Revocation of Abacha Family Lands

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has returned two properties previously revoked by former governor Nasir el-Rufai to the family of the late head of state, Sani Abacha.

Reuben Atabo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and lawyer to the Abacha family, disclosed the development to journalists. He explained that the properties were initially revoked in 2022 by el-Rufai, who cited contraventions of occupancy terms as the basis for the action.

The reinstated properties include a parcel of land at No. 9 Abakpa GRA, measuring 2,284 square meters, covered by Kaduna State Certificate of Occupancy No. 30575. The second property is located at No. 1 Degel Road, Ungwan Rimi GRA, measuring 3,705 square meters, with Certificate of Occupancy No. 11458.

Atabo revealed that el-Rufai had announced the revocations through a newspaper advertisement on April 28, 2022, which listed the Abacha family properties among others affected. In response, the Abacha family filed lawsuits at the Kaduna High Court, citing embarrassment caused by the publicized revocations and seeking redress.

Governor Sani’s decision to reinstate the properties was communicated in two letters dated December 10, 2024. The letters, issued by Mustapha Haruna, deed registrar on behalf of the director-general of the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS), outlined the conditions for the reinstatement. These include the settlement of all outstanding fees and charges associated with the properties.