The Kebbi State Government has denied allegations linking it to the demolition of a property beside Azbir Hotel along Sani Abacha Bypass in Birnin Kebbi, threatening legal action against the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the claims.
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 maintained that the demolition resulted from a private land ownership dispute and was neither authorised nor carried out by the state government.
He explained that a businessman, Umaru Mohammed Gulumbe, had presented ownership documents, including a Certificate of Occupancy signed by former Governor Adamu Aliero, to support his claim to the disputed property.
According to the commissioner, investigations by committees set up to examine the competing ownership claims established Gulumbe’s ownership of the property.
He added that the businessman had reported the alleged trespass to the police and also petitioned the Ministry of Lands and Housing over the matter.
Ahmed challenged anyone disputing Gulumbe’s ownership to approach a court of competent jurisdiction for redress rather than resorting to allegations on social media.
The commissioner accused the ADC of exploiting the incident for political gains ahead of the 2027 general elections, alleging that attempts to link Governor Nasir Idris’ administration to the demolition were intended to damage the government’s reputation.
He also accused opposition figures of making statements capable of heightening political tension and creating divisions in the state.
Ahmed urged political leaders to exercise restraint, verify information before making public statements and refrain from using sensitive issues for political advantage.
He appealed to residents to disregard unverified claims and assess allegations based on available evidence, stressing that political differences should not undermine peaceful coexistence in Kebbi State.
The commissioner demanded an immediate retraction of the allegations by the ADC and an unreserved apology to the state government, warning that failure to comply would compel the administration to seek legal redress to protect its reputation and institutional integrity.
