By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Kaduna State High Court has granted an application for a Pretrial Conference (PTC) filed by retired Comrade Mustapha Yahaya Bida, former Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP), Kaduna Polytechnic chapter.
Comrade Bida had filed a lawsuit against the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) on the White Paper into the alienation of Federal Government property, alleging illegal trespass on his property at No. 13 Ribadu Road, Unguwan Rimi GRA, Kaduna. He accused the PIC of defying a court injunction by demolishing parts of his residence.
At Monday’s hearing, Counsel to the plaintiff, Barrister Solomon Utuwaya, moved a motion for an extension of time, citing unforeseen delays in filing the application. Justice E. Andow granted the motion and adjourned the case to January 28, 2025, for the pretrial conference, after which the substantive hearing will commence.
Although the respondent’s Counsel, Barrister Abdullahi Ahmed, initially objected to the motion, claiming he had not been served, the plaintiff’s counsel presented evidence of service, prompting the court to proceed.
Speaking after the session, Barrister Utuwaya said the pretrial conference aims to streamline the issues for trial. He highlighted that the court had previously issued an interim injunction ordering all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the case.
“Despite the court order, the PIC went ahead and demolished parts of my client’s property, including the boy’s quarters and sections of the fence. They even erected a new fence in violation of the injunction,” Utuwaya stated.
Comrade Bida, who retired in 2024 after 39 years of service, revealed that he had lawfully applied for the property, received an offer letter, and paid all necessary fees, including administrative charges and the cost of obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
The plaintiff further alleged that operatives of the PIC allocated part of his property to another individual and enlisted police assistance to enforce their claim. During a police site visit, it was confirmed that the disputed area was undeveloped land and not part of the boy’s quarters as claimed.
Barrister Abdullahi Ahmed, representing the PIC, argued that the plaintiff’s counsel had failed to certify the PTC application on time, leading to delays. He also noted that the suit had previously been struck out for lack of diligent prosecution due to repeated absences by the plaintiff’s legal team.
Justice Andow advised the respondent’s counsel to provide a service address within Kaduna State to ensure smooth communication in accordance with legal procedures.
Comrade Bida alleged that other Kaduna Polytechnic staff are facing similar encroachments and have filed petitions against the school’s management, accusing them of selling federal properties for personal gain. He recently petitioned the National Assembly to investigate these allegations.
Bida has called on the court and relevant stakeholders to protect his property and ensure justice is served to deter future illegal actions. He emphasized that no one is above the law, adding, “Justice must prevail to put an end to this brazen disregard for due process.”
The case has drawn attention to broader concerns about land administration and property rights in Kaduna State, especially regarding properties managed by federal institutions.
