Stephen Enoch
Traders at the Kofar Mata Eid ground, under the aegis of Masallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders Association on Thursday called on the Kano State Police Command to commence a criminal investigation into the demolition of their shops to ensure justice is served.
The traders made this known in a press conference at the Kano State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat.
At the press briefing, Ma’aruf Muhammed Yakasai Esq read a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police with the subject “COMPLAINT OF CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY, THEFT, CRIMINAL MISAPPROPRIATION, AND MISCHIEF CONTRARY TO SECTIONS 97, 286, 308 AND 326 OF THE PENAL CODE, LAWS OF KANO STATE OF NIGERIA, RESPECTIVELY, AGAINST ENGR. ENGR. RABI’U MUSA KWANKWASO, Dr. ABDULLAHI BAFFA BICH; H.E Engr. ABBA KABIR YUSUF AND Engr. MUHAMMAD DIGGOL AND OTHERS.”
According to the letter jointly signed by Auwalu Sa’idu Umar the Chairman, and Ibrahim Salisu Nyas the Secretary of the Association, the demolition has impoverished some and caused the demise of some traders.
The letter also pointed out that aside from the losses incurred from the damage of goods, properties worth billions of Naira were stolen from the traders.
The Association added that while the Government has the power to revoke any right of occupancy, it has to be based on overriding public interest.
Other parts of the letter read;
“Also a sufficient notice must be served and compensation paid before the revocation. The government never satisfied these requirements, and no attempt was made whatsoever.
“We need the criminal aspect to be investigated and the guilty to face the full wrath of the Law.
“We also urge your good self to consider and build on the judgment of the Federal High Court, Kano Division that described the action of the suspects as illegal, unconstitutional, and barbaric.
“We are ready at the appropriate stage of the investigation to provide all the available evidence and records to support the allegations against the suspects.
“Please note further that the suspects have never denied the demolition.”
