A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a garnishee order, suspending at least 24 bank accounts belonging to the Kano State Government over N30 billion in compensation for the demolition of their stores across the state by the Incorporated Trustees of Masalachi Eid Shop Owners and Traders Association.
The ruling was issued in response to a lawsuit brought by the Incorporated Trustees of Masalachi Eid Shop Owners and Traders Association, who demanded compensation for the unlawful and unfair demolition.
Justice I. E. Ekwo, who ruled over the case, issued the verdict on November 28, 2023.
The move is intended to fulfil the decision in favour of the business owners, according to the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the verdict issued by the Registrar, Chioma Chijioke, following the alleged illegal destruction carried out by the state in June 2023.
In addition, the court has ordered the garnishees to come before it and show reason, if any, why the order Nisi should not be declared absolute. The Judge further ordered that the judgement creditors serve the defendants and garnishees at least 14 days before the next hearing on January 18, 2024.
The order by Justice Ekwo reads, “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 (including but limited to Kano State FAAC Account and Account No. 1019716320 at UBA and Account No. 1790249410 Polaris Bank) and other accounts in the custody of the respective Garnishees to the tune of N30 billion in satisfaction of the judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano per S. A Amobeda, J. dated the 29th September, 2023 herein being enforced in favour of the judgment creditors.
“Order is hereby made granting the sum of N2 million only being the cost of the Garnishees proceeding.
“The Garnishees herein are hereby ordered to appear before this court to show cause (if any) why the order Nisi should not be made absolute against them.
“Judgment creditors to serve the defendants and Garnishees at least 14 days before the next date of hearing.’’
