Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi has said that the Kano State Government has filed an appeal against the N30 billion punitive and compensation judgment handed down by Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano.
It be recalled that a Federal court presided over by Justice Simon Amobeda had previously ordered the Kano State Government to pay the sum of N30 billion as compensation to the Incorporated Trustees of Masallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders.
It will also be recalled that the judgement was in favor of the Incorporated Trustees of Masallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders.
However, Barrister Dederi stated that the appeal was filed because the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, as it revolved around ownership of the property.
According to him, “The government had already prepared its documents prior to the judgment and swiftly moved to appeal the decision on the same day it was delivered.
He added that regarding the motion seeking a stay of execution pending appeal, Barrister Dederi assured the public that there should be no cause for alarm.
Barrister Dederi then confirmed that the record of the Federal High Court proceedings had already been transmitted to the Court of Appeal.
He disclosed that the Court of Appeal has scheduled the hearing of the motion on stay of execution for 4th December.
Barrister Dederi therefore stated that it would be futile for the Federal High Court to make any orders on the issue, as the case is pending before the appeal court and it would be akin to a court sitting in appeal on its judgement.
According to him, the actions of Kano State Government are supported by the provisions of the Land Use Act, which empowers the government to grant and revoke land.
He further disclosed that the demolition of the properties was carried out in the overriding public interest.
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