Sokoto govt seals ADC office hours before presidential campaign rally

The government of Sokoto State has locked up one of the offices of African Democratic Congress (ADC). This was done in view of property ownership and to avert future disturbances.

The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barrister Nasiru Dantsoho, said so in a press statement released on Monday. He explained that it was as a result of a recent disturbance between ADC supporters and some others.

Dantsoho said the government reviewed available documents on the building and found that it was originally owned by the defunct Savannah Bank, with no official record indicating a change of ownership.

According to the commissioner, the state government had written to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), which he described as the custodian of the property, seeking clarification on its current ownership. He said the government was 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 explained that the premises would remain sealed pending the NDIC’s response, adding that the measure was intended to prevent further disturbances and protect lives and property.

He urged anyone claiming ownership of the building to submit relevant documents to the government for verification and proper documentation. He said the property could be released to its rightful owner once the ownership issue had been resolved.

Dantsoho, however, maintained that the state government would retain control of the premises until the dispute was settled.

He also warned that anyone who attempted to forcefully enter the sealed building would face legal consequences, including prosecution.

The development comes amid heightened political tension in Sokoto, following allegations of attacks involving ADC supporters and operatives of a state-owned security outfit.