By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) of the White Paper on the Commission of Inquiry into the alienation of Federal Government Property has been accused of contempt of court for violating a court order.
Comrade Mustapha Yahaya Bida (rtd), former Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Kaduna Polytechnic, filed a lawsuit in the Kaduna State High Court after his residence was unlawfully trespassed upon by land grabbers, despite a court injunction prohibiting such actions.
The case came up for a pretrial conference on Monday, November 26, 2024, but the first defendant, PIC Secretary Saminu Abubakar, and other defendants failed to appear in court.
Barrister Aisha Musa, counsel for the plaintiff, expressed concern to journalists after the sitting, stating that parts of Bida’s property had been demolished despite a court order from a competent jurisdiction.
Speaking on behalf of lead counsel Barrister Sani Katu (SAN), Barrister Musa explained, “While the first defendant, PIC, requested an adjournment, they ignored the court order and went ahead with demolishing parts of the property. The court had ordered that the status quo be maintained pending the hearing and determination of the suit. This is a clear case of contempt.”
She added, “We did not object to their adjournment request in the interest of justice. However, if the defendants fail to appear at the next sitting, we will make the necessary application.” The matter has been adjourned to December 10, 2024, for the pretrial conference by Justice E. Andow.
Musa further clarified that while the PIC is part of the Federal Government, the plaintiff, as a bona fide staff member of Kaduna Polytechnic, is the rightful owner of the property based on an allocation and offer made to him by the PIC.
Comrade Bida, who retired in 2024 after 39 years of service, reported that his property at No. 13 Ribadu Road, Unguwan Rimi GRA, Gabasawa, Kaduna, had been unlawfully invaded. He stated that his boy’s quarters and the fence were destroyed, and a new fence was built in violation of the court’s order.
A Kaduna State High Court had issued an interim injunction prohibiting land grabbers from trespassing on or developing the property until the motion on notice is resolved. The court also ordered the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State and officers of the Special Investigation Bureau (SIB) not to invite Comrade Bida regarding the property until the matter is settled.
The situation escalated when Bida was summoned by the SIB, who claimed part of his property had been allocated to another individual. During a police visit to verify the claim, it was revealed that the area in question was undeveloped land, not the boys’ quarters as alleged.
“The police insisted that Bida allow land grabbers to enter and develop the land, despite the fact that the property was not part of their allocation,” the statement read. “Furthermore, the gazetted procedure clearly states that properties must be sold ‘as is and where is.'”
Bida also noted that the offer letter shown to him was in the name of Saminu Abubakar, who has not been located since the case began.
Bida, the longest-serving Chairman of ASUP, stated that many other staff members of Kaduna Polytechnic are facing similar challenges and have taken legal action. He believes that his efforts to seek legal redress have led to the targeting of his property by land grabbers.
Bida emphasized that he followed all the correct procedures, including applying for the property, receiving an offer letter, and paying the required fees, including an additional 5% for administrative charges and the cost of obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
Comrade Mustapha Bida is calling on the court and relevant authorities to intervene and protect his property from illegal encroachment. He also stressed that justice must prevail to deter land grabbers and reaffirm that no one is above the law.
In related news, aggrieved staff members of Kaduna Polytechnic recently petitioned the National Assembly, alleging that the school’s management has been involved in the illegal sale of school properties for personal gain.
