Kwankwaso’s Brother Sues Kano Governor Over Land Dispute

Garba Musa Kwankwaso, the younger brother of former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has filed a lawsuit against Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over a contentious land dispute in Kwankwasiyya City.

The suit, filed at the Kano State High Court, seeks an interlocutory injunction to halt any activities on the disputed land. The case also lists the Kano State Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA), and the Attorney General of the State as respondents.

Background

The land in question, spanning over 100 hectares, was originally allocated to WAECO Nigeria Limited during Rabiu Kwankwaso’s administration. However, it was revoked in 2017 under Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s tenure. Investigations by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission revealed that WAECO, linked to Rabiu and Garba Kwankwaso as directors, was not a legally recognized entity at the time of allocation. The commission recommended the revocation, which led to portions of the land being redistributed—some to Mallam Kato Square and the rest returned to original owners.

Governor Yusuf has reportedly refused to restore the land to WAECO, prompting Garba Kwankwaso to pursue legal redress.

Court Proceedings

Garba filed the application under the Kano State High Court Rules, 2014, requesting an order to prevent the defendants and their agents from entering, dividing, or undertaking any activities on the property. The application specifically pertains to a plot located along the Western By-Pass in Kwankwasiyya II, Kano, covered by Certificate of Occupancy No. LKN/COM/2013/84.

Justice Usman Na’abba, presiding over the case, granted the injunction on November 13, restraining the respondents from interfering with the land until the substantive suit is resolved. The court adjourned the hearing to November 27 for further deliberations.

Legal Grounds

The application is supported by a nine-paragraph affidavit submitted by Faith Job, a litigation secretary at P.A. Attabor & Co., legal counsel to the Kwankwasos. The plaintiff seeks relief to secure the land and prevent any adverse actions by the defendants until the court delivers its final judgment.

The legal battle underscores the ongoing controversies surrounding land allocations and governance in Kano State.