The Sokoto State Government has sealed an office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing security concerns and an unresolved dispute over ownership of the property.
The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barrister Nasiru Dantsoho, announced the action on Monday, saying it followed a recent disturbance involving party supporters and some miscreants.
Dantsoho said the government reviewed the property’s certificate of occupancy and other relevant documents and discovered that it originally belonged to the defunct Savannah Bank, with no official change of ownership reflected in the records.
He said the government had written to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), which he identified as the custodian of the property, seeking clarification on its current ownership but had yet to receive a response.
“Following a review of the certificate of occupancy and other relevant documents, we discovered that this property belongs to the Savannah Bank, and that ownership has not changed as of today.
“We have written to the NDIC, the custodian of this building, to clarify its present ownership, but we are yet to receive a response,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the premises would remain sealed pending clarification from the NDIC, adding that the measure was intended to prevent further disturbances and protect lives and property.
He urged anyone claiming ownership of the building to submit relevant documents for verification and proper documentation before the property could be released to its rightful owner.
Dantsoho warned that the state government would take legal action, including prosecution, against anyone attempting to forcefully access the sealed premises.
The development comes amid rising political tension in Sokoto State following allegations of attacks involving ADC supporters and operatives of a state-owned security outfit.
