A Federal High Court in Kano has mandated the Kano State Government to compensate shop owners with a staggering N30 billion. The compensation follows the forceful demolition of properties at the Kofar Mata Eid praying ground in Kano city.
The applicants, represented by the Incorporated Trustees of Masallacin Idi Shop Owners, Traders Association, and 56 others, sought the compensation through their counsel, Dr Nuraddeen Ayagi. Their motion exparte, filed for the enforcement of fundamental rights, right to own properties, and damages against the state government, highlighted the illegal demolition of their shops.
The respondents in the case include the Kano State Government, Kano State Urban Development Authority, Attorney General of Kano, Nigeria Police, AIG Zone 1, Commissioner of Police Kano, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and NSCDC Kano Commandant.
Presiding Judge Justice Simon Amobeda declared the actions of the Kano state government and the seven other respondents as illegal and unconstitutional. He asserted that the forceful demolition and vandalism of the applicants’ shops without due process violated their right to own property, right to life and livelihood, and right to dignity of the human face.
The court ordered the first to third respondents to jointly pay the applicants N10 billion as general damages for the violation of their fundamental right to life and ownership of property. Additionally, Justice Amobeda directed the respondents to pay an extra N20 billion for punitive and exemplary damages.
As of now, the respondents, including the Kano State Government, have not yet issued a response to the court’s judgment.
