By NEWSCOUNT Desk
The Sokoto State Government has sealed an office occupied by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over a dispute surrounding the ownership of the property, pending clarification from the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).
The State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barrister Nasiru Dantsoho, disclosed this on Monday, November 2, explaining that the decision was taken to prevent further disturbances and protect lives and property following a recent confrontation involving party supporters and suspected miscreants.
Dantsoho said the state government reviewed the Certificate of Occupancy and other relevant documents relating to the building and discovered that it originally belonged to the defunct Savannah Bank.
According to him, the government found no official record indicating that ownership of the property had been transferred to another individual or organisation.
“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,” he said.
The commissioner disclosed that the government had formally written to the NDIC, which he identified as the custodian of the property, seeking clarification on its present ownership.
“We have written to the NDIC, the custodian of this building, to clarify its present ownership, but we are yet to receive a response,” Dantsoho said.
He explained that the premises would remain sealed pending the corporation’s response, adding that anyone claiming ownership of the building should submit relevant documents to the Ministry of Lands and Housing for verification.
Dantsoho maintained that the property would be released to its rightful owner once the ownership claim had been established and the necessary documentation completed.
He, however, warned that the state government would not tolerate any attempt to forcefully gain access to the sealed premises, stressing that offenders would face legal action, including prosecution.
The development comes amid heightened political tension in Sokoto State following allegations of attacks involving ADC supporters and operatives of state-owned security outfits.
The party had accused some security personnel and suspected political opponents of attacking its supporters and vandalising its campaign office, allegations that have heightened concerns over the political atmosphere in the state.
