News
Durbar hotel demolition: Legal fireworks intensify as Reuben Atabo (SAN), others appear in Court
As the legal fire works over demolition of Durbar hotel by Kaduna State government intensifies, Dr Reuben Atabo (SAN) led other two SANs and seven lawyers as prosecuting Counsels to Kaduna State High Court on Thursday.
Durbar hotel PLC is owned by the late Gen. Sani Abacha which was demolished by Kaduna State government through its agency, Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development (KASUPDA).
Dr. Atabo who led Samuel Katung (SAN), Johnson Usman (SAN) and other lawyers in the case before Justice Hannatu Balogun in the prosecution listed Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, as the first defendant.
Other defendants are: “Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Agency (KASUPDA) as well as the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS)”, are listed.
After listening to presentation, Justice Balogun fixed April 4, 2022, for owners of Durbar Hotel and prosecuting Counsels to prove illegality of the demolition of the hotel.
As at the time of demolition, the Abacha family claimed that appeal on claims by Kaduna State government to take over the property was pending at the Supreme Court.
Kaduna State government earlier filed appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the verdict of lower courts which was in favour of the Abacha family.
At the hearing on Thursday, Counsel to the defendants, Mustapha AU (SAN) represented by Sule Umar told the court that the defendants have filed a case of change of Counsel and, “We are asking for a new date because we are already working on the defence.”
However, Atabo decried the energy being wasted by the defendants by proposing an appeal on a matter that has been on for over two years without filing a defence.
“But we are ready to prove our case by next sitting,” he told the court.
The plaintiff is demanding a declaration that it is the title holder of the parcel of land measuring about 5.378 hectares and covered by Kaduna State certificate of occupancy No 17789, situated on a choice area at Muhammadu Buhari Way (WAFF road), Kaduna North local government area.
The plaintiff is further seeking a declaration that the demolition of the plaintiff’s property covered with certificate of occupancy of 7th May, 1990, by the Kaduna State government is unconstitutional, illegal, null, and void.
The plaintiff also asked the court for an order of injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, servants, privies, and whosoever from transferring, assigning, or selling in any way part of the property lying and situate at Muhammadu Buhari Way (Waff Road) Kaduna measuring about 5.4 hectares pending the determination of the motion on notice.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubaka mini visited the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Umar Dikko Umaru Radda, at the Government House in Katsina to express condolences following the passing of his beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umar Bare-Bari Radda.
During the visit, Minister Abubakar, on behalf of himself, his family, the Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle MON and the entire staff of the Ministry of Defence, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Governor Radda, his family, and the people of Katsina State during this difficult time.
In his remarks, he prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased, grant her mercy, and bestow upon her a place in Jannatul Firdaus. He also offered prayers for the Governor and his family, asking for strength and fortitude to bear this profound loss.
The Minister was accompanied by Hon. Idris Garba Jahun, former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, along with Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Jallo and Hon. Mas’ud A. Naruwa, members of the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Hadejia and Babura, respectively.
All political office holders who were appointed by the embattled governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara have been suspended from office by the Sole Administrator of the State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
They were suspended from office with immediate effect, according to a statement by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator, saying the decision followed powers granted the Sole Administrator by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff to Fubara were among those suspended from office.
Commissioners, chairpersons and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants were all relieved of their appointments.
“This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs.
“Where there may be no permanent secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior director/head of administration,” the statement read.
Ibas was sworn in as Sole Administrator on Wednesday, March 19, by President Bola Tinubu after the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Ibas, who is a former Chief of Naval Staff, vowed to maintain law and order in the state.
“If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have,” he said to State House correspondents after the swearing-in.
He also promised to work together with other stakeholders to ensure that order is restored in the state.
Agency Report
The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, has announced the cancellation of the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar celebration due to security concerns in the state.
Emir Bayero made this announcement while briefing newsmen at his Nasarawa Mini Palace in Kano on Wednesday night.
He said that the peaceful coexistence of the people takes precedence over the Durbar celebration.
Emir Bayero had initially planned to hold the Durbar celebration, which would have coincided with his fifth year anniversary on the throne.
He noted that respected Islamic clerics, elders, stakeholders, and his council members advised him to cancel the celebration to maintain peace.
Emir Bayero urged the people of Kano to use the Sallah celebration period to visit families and friends and to observe the festivities in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
He prayed for Allah’s blessings and mercy during the month of Ramadan, hoping that the people of Kano would receive forgiveness and mercy.
NAN
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