Sokoto govt seals ADC campaign office

The Sokoto State Government has sealed an African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign office over a disputed ownership claim, saying the building belongs to the defunct Savannah Bank.

The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, announced the closure on Monday, alleging that official records showed no change in ownership of the property.

Dantsoho said the government had written to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), which he described as the custodian of the property, to clarify 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 said the government decided to seal the premises pending clarification from the NDIC, citing the need to protect lives and property following a recent disturbance involving party supporters and some alleged miscreants.

Sokoto varsity shut as SSANU protests unpaid staff entitlements

He urged anyone claiming ownership of the building to submit relevant documents for verification and proper documentation, after which the property could be released to its rightful owner.

Dantsoho, however, said the premises would remain under the control of the state government until the ownership dispute was resolved.

He warned that anyone attempting to forcefully access the sealed building would face legal action, including prosecution.

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.