Uba Sani reinstates Abacha family properties seized by El-Rufai administration

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has reinstated two landed properties previously revoked by the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the family of the late military leader, General Sani Abacha.

The properties, located at No. 9 Abakpa GRA and No. 1 Degel Road, Ungwan Rimi GRA in Kaduna metropolis, were originally revoked in April 2022 by the El-Rufai government over alleged breaches of the Land Use Act.

In letters dated December 10, 2024, signed by Mustapha Haruna on behalf of the Director-General of the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS), the Abacha family was directed to settle all outstanding fees and charges as a condition for the reinstatement of the properties.

The letter stated, “His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna State, in the powers conferred on him under the Land Use Act 1978, has reinstated the aforementioned title… Subject to the strict condition of settling all outstanding fees and charges.”

Reuben Atabo, counsel to the Abacha family, confirmed the reinstatement in a statement, describing it as a positive development. He noted that the El-Rufai administration’s revocation had caused significant embarrassment to the family, leading to legal action against the state government.

“The Abacha family views this decision as an act of fairness and justice,” Atabo said.

The reinstatement signals a departure from the approach of the previous administration, which cited “various contraventions” as justification for the revocation.

Nasir El-Rufai to the family of the late military leader, General Sani Abacha.

The properties, located at No. 9 Abakpa GRA and No. 1 Degel Road, Ungwan Rimi GRA in Kaduna metropolis, were originally revoked in April 2022 by the El-Rufai government over alleged breaches of the Land Use Act.

In letters dated December 10, 2024, signed by Mustapha Haruna on behalf of the Director-General of the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS), the Abacha family was directed to settle all outstanding fees and charges as a condition for the reinstatement of the properties.

The letter stated, “His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna State, in the powers conferred on him under the Land Use Act 1978, has reinstated the aforementioned title… Subject to the strict condition of settling all outstanding fees and charges.”

Reuben Atabo, counsel to the Abacha family, confirmed the reinstatement in a statement, describing it as a positive development. He noted that the El-Rufai administration’s revocation had caused significant embarrassment to the family, leading to legal action against the state government.

“The Abacha family views this decision as an act of fairness and justice,” Atabo said.

The reinstatement signals a departure from the approach of the previous administration, which cited “various contraventions” as justification for the revocation.