Kano anti-corruption commission facilitates compensation of 87 land owners after 17 years

Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has ensured compensation and issuance of a certificate of occupancy to 87  landowners at Yahaya Gusau in the metropolis.

The landowners have been in a legal battle for compensation over the lands acquired from them by the government since 2003.

In a remark at the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy, held at the Nuhu Ribado Auditorium of the Kano Anti-corruption Institute, on Tuesday, the Commission Executive Chairman, Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimigado said the agency waded into the issue four years ago so as to ensure that the rightful owners are the ones given the compensation.

“When I was presented with the case, it appeared like an ordinary compensation, but as we dived deeper we came face to face with astonishing malpractice and forgery,’’ Muhuyi Magaji said.

“We won’t hesitate to demolish any illegal structure raised on the property to confirm ownership where it is rightfully due.” He reiterated as he handed over the certificates in a final assurance to the tearful owners.

The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude, most of them highly emotional and in tears.

“What normally happens is when those with access to power and influence took advantage of the less privileged nothing is done. Often times you have to leave it to God to judge. But this man stood firm until the underprivileged got fair justice.” A beneficiary emotionally expressed his gratitude thanking the chairman multiple times.

Read Also:Kano Anti Graft Agency commences distribution of recovered COVID-19 palliatives

Solacebase reports that in the year 2003 during the Shekarau administration. A land area with identification TP/KASSEPA/216A at Yahaya Gusau, Ja’en was acquired by the government where 65 plots were created to amend the plan.

According to reports, the layout plan was designed, owners identified and issued compensation cards but ever since the plan was not assented which left the owners stranded from their rightful compensations.

However, land-grabbers saw the opportunity and went berserk forging documents of all sorts that include grant letters and compensation cards. Some even started developing the plots unlawfully acquired.

Meanwhile, on receipt of complaints filed by the owners, the Commission swung into action. Over the course of the four years of investigation, mass fraud was discovered and extensive verification exercise had to be carried out to fish out the rightful owners from the encroachers.