The state government denies ordering the demolition near Azbir Hotel, describing the incident as a private land dispute and demanding an apology from the opposition party.
The Kebbi State Government has threatened legal action against the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over allegations linking Governor Nasir Idris’ administration to the demolition of a property near Azbir Hotel in Birnin Kebbi.
The government denied involvement in the demolition, which occurred adjacent to the hotel along Sani Abacha Bypass, insisting that the incident arose from a private land ownership dispute.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed, described the allegations as false, misleading and politically motivated during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.
Ahmed said the state government neither initiated nor carried out the demolition, adding that the disputed property was the subject of competing ownership claims.
According to him, a businessman, Umaru Mohammed Gulumbe, presented ownership documents, including a Certificate of Occupancy signed by former Governor Adamu Aliero, to support his claim to the property.
The commissioner said committees constituted to investigate the competing claims examined the matter and confirmed Gulumbe’s ownership.
He added that the businessman had reported the alleged trespass to the police and petitioned the Ministry of Lands and Housing over the dispute.
Ahmed challenged anyone disputing Gulumbe’s ownership to seek redress through a competent court rather than making allegations on social media.
The commissioner accused the ADC of using the incident for political purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections, alleging that attempts to link the demolition to Governor Idris’ administration were intended to damage the government’s reputation.
He also criticised statements he attributed to opposition figures, including former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and ADC chieftain Abubakar Shehu Koko, saying such comments could heighten political tension in the state.
Ahmed urged political leaders to exercise restraint, verify information before making public statements and avoid using sensitive issues to deepen political divisions.
He also called on residents to disregard unverified claims and assess public allegations based on available evidence, stressing the need to protect peaceful coexistence in Kebbi State.
The commissioner demanded that the ADC immediately retract the allegations and issue an unreserved apology to the state government.
He warned that the government would consider legal action if the party failed to comply, saying it was prepared to protect its reputation and institutional integrity.
The government’s position represents its response to the allegations. The material provided does not include a reaction from the ADC or an independent account of the demolition and the underlying land dispute.
