Court Orders Kano Govt to Pay N2.6 Billion in Damages Over Ganduje’s Demolition of Tiamin Property
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu.
May 22, 2025
A landmark judgment was passed by a Kano High Court on Wednesday, directing the Kano State Government to pay a staggering N2.6 billion in damages to Tiamin Multiservices Global Limited. The case stems from the illegal demolition of the company’s multimillion-naira property during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Presiding over the case, Justice Ibrahim Musa Muhammad (Karaye) ruled that the actions of the Kano State Government were unconstitutional and illegal. The lawsuit, filed in 2019 by the plaintiff, Tiamin Multiservices Global Limited, challenged the revocation of their Certificate of Occupancy and the subsequent demolition of their property located along Court Road in the Gyadi-Gyadi area of Kano.
Tiamin, a company specializing in diverse services, had its property torn down by the state government without prior notice, an act the court found in violation of the Land Use Act and other constitutional provisions. The demolition occurred despite the fact that Tiamin’s Certificate of Occupancy remained valid, as affirmed by the court. The government had not given the company the opportunity to be heard or provide a defense for the property’s purported revocation.
In his ruling, Justice Muhammad criticized the Kano State Government, which included the Governor, the Attorney General, the Bureau for Land Management, and other officials, for taking unlawful possession of the property. The court declared that Tiamin’s ownership rights over the property were “valid and subsisting,” effectively reversing any actions taken against the company by the state.
The court’s judgment is a significant one, not only because of the scale of the damages but also due to the legal precedent it sets regarding property rights and the conduct of government agencies. Justice Muhammad went further to describe the demolition as “uncouth” and “unwarranted,” emphasizing that such actions had caused undue harm to the plaintiff. As a result, Tiamin was awarded special damages to cover the cost of the destroyed property and its development.
The total damages awarded amounted to N2.6 billion, broken down into several categories:
Special Damages: The sum of N2.1 billion to cover the expenses incurred by Tiamin in developing the property that was damaged.
General Damages: The court also ordered the Kano State Government to pay N500 million as compensation for the unlawful conduct in demolishing the property.
Legal Costs: Additionally, Tiamin was granted N10 million as the cost of filing the case.
In its ruling, the court ordered that the defendants must refrain from further interference with Tiamin’s possession, occupation, use, and enjoyment of the property. This measure ensures that the company regains full control of its property without further legal or administrative hindrance from the Kano State Government.
The case has garnered significant attention, as it underscores the importance of upholding property rights and the rule of law, particularly when dealing with actions taken by government officials. The ruling also highlights the responsibility of the government to adhere to due process when revoking property rights, a reminder to all state and local authorities of the consequences of disregarding legal procedures.
Tiamin Multiservices Global Limited has expressed its satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating that justice has been served. The company’s legal team, led by Barrister Saidu Muhammad Tudun Wada, has pledged to continue safeguarding the rights of citizens and businesses against arbitrary actions by government bodies.
As the case continues to make waves across the state and beyond, it serves as a cautionary tale for other state governments considering similar actions. The judgment is a clear statement that no individual or entity, regardless of their position or authority, is above the law.
The Kano State Government, which has not yet issued a public statement on the ruling, now faces the difficult task of complying with the court’s decision and compensating Tiamin for the unlawful demolition of its property.
