The court action stems from a lawsuit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Masalachi Eid Shop Owners and Traders Association, seeking compensation for what they claim was the illegal and unjust demolition of their shops.

Presided over by Justice I. E. Ekwo, the court ruling on November 28, 2023, confirms the attachment of funds totaling N30 billion to satisfy the judgment in favor of the shop owners. The alleged illegal demolition by the state occurred in June 2023.

According to the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling, signed by Registrar Chioma Chijioke, the garnishee order Nisi is made to attach the present and future funds of entities such as Kano State Government, Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA), and the Attorney General of Kano State.

Justice Ekwo specified in the court order, “to the tune of N30 billion in satisfaction of the judgment.” The garnishees are required to appear before the court to present any cause against the order Nisi being made absolute. The judgment creditors are mandated to serve the defendants and Garnishees at least 14 days before the next hearing scheduled for January 18, 2024.

This legal development follows a previous judgment by the Federal High Court in Kano, where the shop owners were awarded N30 billion as compensation for the demolition of their shops. The frozen accounts are spread across 24 banks.