IN a recent development, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a garnishee order, freezing a total of 24 Kano State Government bank accounts.
This order was issued in response to a lawsuit filed by the Masalachi Eid Shop Owners and Traders Association.
The association sought compensation for the illegal and unjust demolition of its businesses.
On November 28, 2023, Justice I. E. Ekwo, sitting over the case, issued a verdict confirming the attachment of funds totaling N30 billion.
According to the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the verdict signed by the Registrar, Chioma Chijioke, the action is intended to fulfill the judgment in favor of the business owners following the claimed illegal destruction carried out by the state in June 2023.
The order of the court stated: “A garnishee order Nisi is hereby made attaching the funds (present and future) of Kano State Government, Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority, KNUPDA, and Attorney General of Kano State… to the tune of N30 billion in satisfaction of the judgment.”
Moreover, the court has mandated the garnishees to appear before it and provide cause, if any, against the order Nisi being made absolute. The Judge also stipulated that the judgment creditors should serve the defendants and Garnishees at least 14 days prior to the next hearing, scheduled for 18th January, 2024.
This decision follows an earlier order by the Federal High Court in Kano, in which the shop owners were given N30 billion in compensation for the demolition of their stores.
The accounts have been suspended at 24 different banks.
