Governor Sani Returns Abacha Family’s Lands Revoked, Seized By El-Rufai

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has returned two parcels of land in Kaduna city to the family of the late General Sani Abacha, the former Head of State, two years after they were revoked by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The reinstated properties include a 2,284-square-meter plot at No. 9 Abakpa GRA, covered by Certificate of Occupancy No. 30575, and another plot measuring 3,705 square meters at No. 1 Degel Road, Ungwan Rimi GRA, with Certificate of Occupancy No. 11458.

Read Also: Tinubu’s Decision To Rename University Of Abuja After Gowon Rejected

Reuben Atabo (SAN), the family’s lawyer, confirmed that the Right of Occupancy (RO) for these properties was revoked in 2022 during El-Rufai’s administration.

The state government had announced the revocation in a newspaper advertisement on April 28, 2022, stating “This is to inform the general public that His Excellency, the governor of Kaduna State has in exercise of the power conferred on him under the land use Act, 1978 revoked Titles to plots of land within Kaduna metropolis for various contraventions of terms and conditions of Right of Occupancy”.

In response, Atabo filed a lawsuit in the High Court of Kaduna State (Suit Nos. KDH/KAD/465/2021 and KDH/KAD/509/2022), seeking redress for the damage to the Abacha family’s reputation among other claims.

Read Also: Tinubu Appoints Aisha Garba As UBEC Executive Secretary

Governor Sani, in a move toward reconciliation, issued two letters on December 10, 2024, through Mustapha Haruna, the Deed Registrar, on behalf of the Director General of Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS). These letters reinstated the titles to the lands and directed the title holders to settle any outstanding ground rent fees. The letters were addressed to Mohammed Sani Abacha, care of R.O. Atabo, SAN & Company.

The first letter read, “Letter of reinstatement of title covered by file no. KDL/01183 property properly described as no. 9 Abakpa GRA, Kaduna State: I am directed to refer to the above mentioned Right of Occupancy and to inform you that His Excellency, the governor of Kaduna State has in the powers conferred on him under the Land Use Act 1978, reinstate the aforementioned title covered by File no. KDL01183 lying and situate at No. 9 Abakpa GRA, Kaduna North Local Government Area, Kaduna State. Subject to strict condition of settling all outstanding fees and charges. While counting on your cooperation, accept Director General esteem regards”.