Journalist Sues Police, Others Over Alleged Land Grab in Abuja
An Abuja-based journalist, Abdussalam Ibrahim Ahmad, has filed a lawsuit accusing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police of complicity in an alleged attempt by a property agent to seize his land. The case, lodged before a Niger State High Court in Suleja, names property agent Muhammad Tukur as the primary alleged trespasser.
Ahmad claims he legally acquired the land, located in Dakwa town, Tafa Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State, in 2018 with a certified customary document from the Tafa LGA. However, about five years ago, Tukur allegedly approached him, claiming ownership of the land for over 20 years and demanding a halt to development.
In the suit, filed by his lawyer Douglas Najime Esq, Ahmad seeks a court order to restrain the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, the Area Commander in the Kubwa Area Command, Abuja, and the Attorney-General of the Federation from “further invitation, threat of arrest and detention, harassment/intimidation” concerning the civil matter over land ownership (Plot No. 24 Block C, measuring about 531.50 square metres).
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The journalist is also demanding N50 million in damages for what he describes as illegal arrest and detention, undignified and degrading treatment, threats, harassment, intimidation, and the resulting psychological trauma.
In addition to the police authorities, Abu Ango, Blessing Iliya, Muhammad Tukur, and Faruk Dahiru have been joined as defendants in the case. Muhammad Tukur, the agent attempting to claim the land, reportedly asserted that the property was gifted to him two decades ago. Faruk Dahiru, also known as Faruk Musa, is identified as a prospective buyer of the disputed land.
Despite being duly notified, the police and other respondents have reportedly not filed any response or provided feedback regarding the accusations since Ahmad filed the case. While Tukur and Dahiru allegedly evaded personal service, requiring the court to grant an application for substituted service (with notices pasted on the property), the police and other parties were personally served at their respective offices.
Sources indicate that all parties have been served for every court sitting, yet none have filed a response, provided feedback, or attended court to date.
The situation highlights a broader issue, as Dakwa town is reportedly prone to land disputes, often stemming from double allocations where multiple parties claim ownership based on grants from different authorities.
By PRNigeria
