Sokoto seals ADC campaign office over ownership dispute, seeks NDIC clarification

The Sokoto State Government has sealed a campaign office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing an ownership dispute over the property, which it says belongs to Savannah Bank.

The state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, announced the decision on Monday while leading government officials to the premises.

Dantsoho said the government moved to seal the building following a clash involving supporters of different political parties in the state last week.

He said the incident, which reportedly involved the disruption of another party’s activities, prompted the government to investigate the ownership status of the property.

“The purpose is simply to inform the general public that there is a government in town and that it has to be respected,” the commissioner said in a video circulating on social media.

According to him, a review of the certificate of occupancy and other relevant documents indicated that Savannah Bank remained the registered owner of the property.

He said the government had written to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), which he described as the custodian of the building, to establish who currently has legal custody of it.

“We are yet to receive a reply and are waiting for further direction from them,” Dantsoho said.

Explaining the decision to seal the premises pending clarification, he said the government acted to prevent further disturbances and protect lives and property.

“In the meantime, to preserve and protect lives, maintain order and safeguard property, this place is hereby sealed until further notice and pending a response from the NDIC,” he said.