Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has reinstated two parcels of land in Kaduna city to the family of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha. The lands had been revoked two years earlier by former governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The reinstated properties include one at No. 9 Abakpa GRA, Kaduna, measuring 2,284 square meters (Certificate of Occupancy No. 30575), and another at No. 1 Degel Road, Ungwan Rimi GRA, Kaduna, measuring 3,705 square meters (Certificate of Occupancy No. 11458).

Reuben Atabo (SAN), the Abacha family’s lawyer, disclosed that the lands were initially revoked in 2022 under Governor El-Rufai’s administration, citing contraventions of terms under the Land Use Act of 1978. The state government had published a notice on April 28, 2022, announcing the revocation of various plots, with Sani Abacha’s name listed as No. 34 among affected title holders.

In response, Atabo filed lawsuits at the Kaduna State High Court, seeking to address the embarrassment caused to the Abacha family name and pursue other claims.

Governor Uba Sani, in two letters dated December 10, 2024, reinstated the titles to the Abacha family through Mustapha Haruna, Deed Registrar, on behalf of the Director General of Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS). The letters, addressed to Mohammed Sani Abacha via the family’s legal counsel, required the title holders to pay outstanding ground rent fees.

The move marks a reversal of El-Rufai’s decision and restores ownership of the disputed lands to the Abacha family.

Kano Governor’s Aide Claims Fortification Against Arrest

Sanusi Bature, the Director General of Media and Communication to the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, has claimed he is fortified to resist police arrest. Bature made this declaration on Saturday while addressing attendees at the PR Nigeria Young Communication Fellowship in Kano.

The governor’s aide revealed that he spent five days taking refuge at the Kano State Government House to evade arrest by the police. He alleged that at least 40 officers from the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Team were deployed to Kano with the specific mandate of apprehending him.

Bature stated that he remained within the Government House due to the constitutional immunity it provides, which prevents law enforcement from effecting arrests within its premises without the governor’s permission.

“I obtained a court order restraining the police from arresting me,” he explained, adding that the document, though not yet served to the police, had circulated widely. “I’m confident they must have seen it,” he said.

Despite the looming threat of arrest, Bature insisted on attending the event, citing three key reasons.

“Firstly, I felt it was important to be part of this event, even if it meant being arrested,” he said.
“Secondly, the court order gives me some legal cover, and lastly, I ventured out with confidence because I am well fortified to resist arrest if it happens.”

According to Bature, the arrest attempt stemmed from a petition that he claimed was being handled directly by the Inspector General of Police. He, however, did not disclose the nature of the allegations against him.

While addressing the gathering, Bature reiterated his belief in his legal protections and expressed confidence in his ability to navigate the situation.

The episode highlights the ongoing tensions between political figures and law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. It also raises questions about the use of immunity provisions and court orders to counteract police actions.