The Kano State government has filed an appeal against the N30 billion punitive and compensation judgment handed by Justice Simon Amobeda of the Kano Division of the Federal High Court.

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi, confirmed this to journalists in Kano on Thursday.

The judgment was in favour of the Incorporated Trustees of Masallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders.

Mr Dederi said the appeal was filed because the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, as it revolved around property ownership.

He further explained that the state government had already prepared its documents before the judgment and swiftly moved to appeal the decision on the same day it was delivered.

Regarding the motion seeking a stay of execution pending appeal, Mr Dederi assured the public that there was no cause for alarm.

He also confirmed that the Federal High Court proceedings record had already been transmitted to the Court of Appeal.

The attorney general further disclosed that the Court of Appeal had scheduled the hearing of the motion on stay of execution for December 4.

He stressed that it would be futile for the Federal High Court to make any orders on the issue, as the case is pending before the Appeal Court, and it would be akin to a court sitting in appeal on its judgment.

Mr Dederi reiterated that the Kano State government’s actions were supported by the provisions of the Land Use Act, which empowered the government to grant and revoke land.

He emphasised that the demolition of the properties was carried out in the overriding public interest.

Justice Amobeda had previously ordered the Kano State government to pay N30 billion as compensation to the Incorporated Trustees of Masallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders. 

(NAN)