The Sokoto State Government has ordered the closure of an office occupied by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing an unresolved ownership dispute and concerns over public safety following a recent disturbance involving party supporters.
Titiansloaded reports that the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, disclosed the development on Monday, explaining that the decision was aimed at protecting lives and property and preventing further unrest.
According to Dantsoho, a review of the building’s certificate of occupancy and other official records showed that the property originally belonged to the defunct Savannah Bank. He said the state’s records contained no evidence of a formal transfer of ownership.
The commissioner said the government had contacted the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), which is responsible for the property, to establish its current ownership. However, the agency had yet to respond to the inquiry.
He stressed that the building would remain under seal until the NDIC provides clarification on its ownership status.
Dantsoho also called on anyone claiming ownership of the property to present relevant documents to the state government for verification, adding that the building could be released to its rightful owner once the dispute is settled.
He warned that anyone who attempts to break into the sealed premises would face legal consequences, including prosecution.
The closure comes amid heightened political tension in Sokoto State following allegations of attacks involving ADC supporters and operatives of a state-owned security outfit.
