Sokoto State Government Seals ADC Office Amid Property Ownership Dispute

The Sokoto State Government has officially sealed the office premises of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state. According to the government, the decision was prompted by a dispute regarding the legal ownership of the property, as well as a desire to maintain public order following recent tensions involving party supporters.

The Basis for Closure

Barrister Nasiru Dantsoho, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, announced the closure on Monday. He stated that the government’s intervention was necessary to prevent further confrontations between party members and other individuals. Beyond the immediate security concerns, the government has raised significant questions about the legitimacy of the building’s occupancy.

According to Commissioner Dantsoho, an examination of official state records indicated that the property is registered under the defunct Savannah Bank. The government’s review of these records did not reveal any documentation confirming a legal transfer of the property to any other entity or individual since the bank ceased operations.

Inquiry with the NDIC

The state government has initiated a formal inquiry with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), which is the agency responsible for managing the assets of defunct financial institutions like Savannah Bank. The objective of this outreach is to determine the current legal status of the building and identify the rightful owner.

As of the time of the announcement, the Commissioner noted that the NDIC had not yet provided a response to the state’s inquiry. The government has indicated that the premises will remain closed until the NDIC provides the necessary clarification or until a claimant can provide verifiable documentation of ownership.

Next Steps for Claimants

The Sokoto State government has issued a call for any individuals or organizations who believe they hold legal title to the property to come forward. Commissioner Dantsoho emphasized that any such claims must be supported by official evidence for verification purposes. The government has pledged to hand over the building to the legitimate owner once the legal status of the property is definitively established.

Summary of the Situation

• Action: The Sokoto State government has sealed the ADC office.
• Primary Reason: Disputed ownership linked to the defunct Savannah Bank.
• Security Concern: The government aims to prevent further confrontations at the site.
• Status: The government is awaiting feedback from the NDIC to proceed with the case.

The situation remains fluid as the state awaits documentation from federal authorities. The government has not provided a specific timeline for when the investigation might conclude, noting only that the closure is a temporary measure to ensure legal compliance and public safety.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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