The Sokoto State government has sealed the office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the party’s presidential campaign flag-off scheduled to hold in the state on Wednesday.

The state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, announced the development on Monday, saying the decision was taken to protect lives and property following an altercation involving ADC supporters and some suspected miscreants.

Mr Dantsoho said the government had written to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to clarify the ownership of the property but had yet to receive a response.

“Following a review of the certificate of occupancy and other relevant documents, we discovered that this property belongs to the Savannah Bank, and that ownership has not changed as of today.

“We have written to the NDIC, the custodian of this building, to clarify its present ownership, but we are yet to receive a response,” he said.

The commissioner said the property would remain sealed pending clarification from the NDIC, adding that the measure was intended to prevent further disturbances and safeguard lives and property.

He urged anyone claiming ownership of the building to submit relevant documents to the government for verification and proper documentation, after which the property could be released to its rightful owner.

Mr Dantsoho warned that the government would take legal action, including prosecution, against anyone who attempted to forcefully gain access to the sealed premises.

He maintained that the property would remain under the state government’s control until the ownership dispute was resolved.