The directives of Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai to demolish over 2,000 houses in Nisi and Tasu communities in Chikun Local government area of Kaduna State, have been put on hold by the State High Court presided over by Justice Binta Zabairu.
Justice Zabairu restrained order against Governor El-Rufai or any other government agency from demolishing the house.
Remembering that the two communities have over 2,000 houses and a population of about 10,000, Churches and schools, the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority, KASUPDA, had issued a demolishing notice on 7th February, 2020 under the State Urban and Regional Planning law No. 31 of 2018 to the residents of the communities.
The Director Central of KASUPDA, Ismail Umaru Dikko, who signed the demolition notice and pasted on all affected properties stated, “It has come to the notice of the authority that you have encroached into an industrial layout and illegally developed a piece of land without obtaining necessary approval.”
“The action of yours is a contravention of the above mentioned law. In view of the above, you are hereby given 21 days to remove the structure and vacate the site. Failure to comply with the above, the authority will be left with no option than to demolish the structure at your expense in accordance with section 60 (2) of the Kaduna state urban plannings law of 2018.”
Reacting to this development, the communities approached the Court through their team of lawyers, led by Sam Atung Esq and sought among other things restraining order to stop the demolition of the two communities by the State government.
On granting their appeal, Justice Binta Zubairu said, “An order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the defendant/respondent jointly and severely whether acting by themselves, officials, workmen etc and or whosoever or whosoever from demolishing, pulling down or interfering in whatever manner with the plaintiff/applicants possession and interest in their houses lying and situated at Nisi and Tasu villages in Chikun local government area of Kaduna state pending the determination of motion on notice.”
Briefing newsmen shortly after the case was adjourned till 30th March, Barrister Atung said some houses have their building approvals by relevant government authorities in the State, pointing out that one of the house in Nisi village was also granted Certificate of Occupancy.
Barrister Atung explained, “The experts order which was granted last week 28th February, 2020 ought to have elapsed today but has been extended to the next adjourned date of 30th March, 2020.”
Spokesman to the two communities, Stephen Charles told newsmen that Warrant Officer Ndako Dauda died shortly after the demolition notice was paste, followed by a pharmacist whose name he couldn’t ascertained was rushed to the hospital as a result of rise in blood pressure after hearing about the demolition notice.