A Kano State High Court has ordered the state government to pay N8.5 billion in damages to Lamash Properties Limited, the owners of the Daula Hotel complex, which was demolished by the state government on the orders of Governor Abba Yusuf.
The court also directed the defendants, including the Kano State government, the governor, and the state attorney general, to pay an additional N10 million in litigation costs.
The Daula Hotel, which was demolished in June 2023, became the subject of a legal dispute after Lamash Properties filed a suit, claiming the demolition was unjustified.
The company argued that it had legally acquired the property through an agreement with the state government during the administration of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
In the originating summons, Lamash Properties sought a declaration that the agreement to develop the property was valid and enforceable at the time the government decided to demolish the building.
Justice Sunusi Ma’aji, in his ruling delivered on Wednesday, granted the reliefs sought by the plaintiff, affirming that Lamash had an enforceable contract with the government.
The judge condemned the demolition, emphasizing that since the building could not be restored, the plaintiff should be compensated for its current market value.
The ruling follows growing concerns over the state government’s demolition activities.
Lamash’s counsel, Nureini Jimoh (SAN), praised the judgment, stating it would serve as a lesson for the state government on respecting legal agreements.
However, the defense raised objections regarding the legal proceedings, claiming that they were not properly served with hearing notices.
Ibrahim Wangida, a member of the defense team, stated that they were unaware of the proceedings and unable to attend the court session.
The defense is now seeking to have the judgment set aside, with the state government filing a motion to that effect.
This ruling adds to a series of legal challenges for the state government.
In September 2023, a Federal High Court imposed N30 billion in damages on the state government for demolishing structures at the Kofar Mata Eid Ground, highlighting the increasing backlash over the governor’s demolition policies.
This decision marks another setback for Governor Yusuf’s administration, which has faced criticism for its aggressive demolition of structures it deemed illegal since the governor took office in May 2023.