The Sokoto State Government has locked up an office occupied by the African Democratic Congress due to a brewing ownership dispute, pending formal clarification from the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation.
The state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, announced the intervention on Monday, according to Punch. Dantsoho noted that the government moved to seal the building to avert additional unrest and protect lives and property, following a clash between party loyalists and suspected street thugs.
Upon reviewing the property's Certificate of Occupancy and other land records, the state discovered that the facility originally belonged to the defunct Savannah Bank. The commissioner pointed out that no official documents in the ministry's possession show that the title was ever transferred to any new person or organisation.
Because the NDIC oversees the assets of liquidated financial institutions, the state authorities reached out to the corporation to confirm who currently holds legitimate rights to the structure. Dantsoho stated that the ministry has officially written to the agency but has not received an answer yet.
To prevent further clashes and safeguard neighbours in the vicinity, the state opted to keep the site closed until the regulatory body provides an official response. The commissioner invited anyone holding a legitimate claim to come forward with valid paperwork for verification, noting that the property will be returned once genuine proof is established.
The government warned that the premises will stay firmly shut under public custody throughout the inquiry. Dantsoho cautioned that anyone who attempts to force their way into the premises will face strict legal prosecution.
The sealing of the secretariat unfolds during a period of mounting political friction in the state, marked by claims of violent clashes involving ADC members and personnel linked to state-run security teams.
