The Federal high court in Kano on Friday ordered Kano state government to pay a sum of N30 billion compensation to owners of hundred of shopping complex demolished at Kofar-Mata Central Eid ground.

In a suit filed by Incorporated Trustee of Masallacin Idi Shop owners, Traders Association and 56 others, the plaintiff sought the leave the court for the enforcement of violation of fundamental rights, right to life, ownership of properties and damages of properties in the state.

The plaintiffs through their lawyer, Dr. Nuradeen Ayagi, challenged Kano state government, Kano State Urban Development Authority; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kano; Nigerian Police; Assistant Inspector General of Police AIG Zone 1; Commissioner of Police, Kano; Nigeria Security and Civil Defend Corp NSCDC and NSCDC Kano Commandant over the demolition of their properties.

The plaintiffs had prayed for the court to declare that action of the State government was illegal, and demand for damages for the illegal and unconstitutional action.

In his Judgement, Justice Simon Amobeda found all the respondent guilty of forceful possession and demolition of plaintiffs properties without due processes of the law.

Justice Amobeda further averted that the demolition embarked by Kano state government in connivance with other respondents violated the 58 plaintiffs’ right to life cum to livelihood and dignity of human facing, thereby remained unconstitutional, illegal and or, wrongful doing.

In his ruling, Justice Amobeda upheld all the prayers of the plaintiffs thereby ordered the 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents (Kano state government, Kano State Urban Development Authority; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice) to pay N10 billion as general damage cost.

The court subsequently rules that the same respondents (1st, 2nd and 3rd) must pay the plaintiffs additional N20 billion as exemplary and punitive damages.

Kano state government has embarked on demolition spree of public property sold by immediate past administration. The NNPP government had accused former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of illegal sell of public property without recues to due process.