January 08, (THEWILL) – Former Managing Director of the Kano State Agricultural Supply Company, Dr. Bala Inuwa, has accused the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission of defying a court order by confiscating his properties.
Inuwa, speaking to journalists on Wednesday, alleged that the commission violated a High Court order that restrained public officials from taking any action regarding his properties pending the resolution of a substantive suit.
The properties, which Inuwa claims are worth billions of naira, include trailers, fertilizer grinding machines, and agricultural equipment.
These assets, located at No. 157 Kumbotso Rasha, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, were allegedly seized by the anti-graft agency under the guise of conducting an investigation.
Inuwa referenced a court order in suit number K/M 1563/2024, presided over by Justice Aisha Ya’u, which ruled in his favour.
According to him, the court declared the forceful entry and seizure of his properties as illegal, unconstitutional, and a violation of his fundamental rights as guaranteed by Section 44 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The court further directed the respondents, including the Kano State Police Commissioner and the anti-graft commission, to vacate the premises and restore access to the owners.
Inuwa claimed the respondents disregarded the ruling, prompting him to secure another interim injunction restraining further interference.
“The court ordered a stay of all actions relating to the matter until the substantive case is resolved,” Inuwa said.
He added that an interim order was also issued mandating all parties to maintain the status quo, pending the hearing of the main suit.
However, the Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Barrister Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, dismissed the accusations.
He argued that the court orders obtained by Inuwa were issued in default and had either expired or been vacated.
Rimin Gado explained that while some court orders affected police officers involved in the enforcement, the commission had since resorted to using personnel from the Kano State Road Traffic Agency to execute its duties.
“Under Section 58 of the Commission’s Laws, we are empowered to carry out our responsibilities using alternative means,” Rimin Gado said.
He maintained that the anti-graft agency acted within the bounds of the law and insisted that no valid order currently restrains the commission from fulfilling its mandate.
The dispute between Inuwa and the anti-corruption commission underscores ongoing tensions surrounding property rights and enforcement in Kano State.
As the substantive matter remains pending before the court, both parties appear resolute in defending their positions.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
