Kano State Government has been ordered by the Federal High Court to pay the sum of N30 billion in damages over the forceful demolition of shops belonging to the applicants, which was deemed illegal and unconstitutional by the court.
The case which was brought forward by the Incorporated Trustees of Masallacin Idi Shop Owners, Traders Association and 56 others, was represented by their Counsel, Dr. Nuraddeen Ayagi.
They sought the enforcement of their fundamental rights, including the right to own property and compensation for the demolition of their shops, News About Nigeria gathered.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the respondents in the case included the Kano State Government, the Kano State Urban Development Authority, the Attorney General of Kano, Nigeria Police, AIG Zone 1, the Commissioner of Police Kano, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and NSCDC Kano Commandant.
Presiding over the case, Justice Simon Amobeda ruled that the demolition conducted by the Kano State Government and the other respondents was illegal and unconstitutional, violating the applicants’ right to own property, right to life, livelihood, and dignity of human face.
The court also ordered the first to third respondents, which includes the Kano State Government, to jointly pay the applicants N10 billion as general damages for violating their fundamental rights to life and property.
Additionally, the respondents were directed to pay the applicants an extra N20 billion for punitive and exemplary damages.
Meanwhile, there is yet to be any comment from the Kano State Government, following the court judgement.
