Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has returned ownership of two plots of land in Kaduna city to the family of late Head of State, General Sani Abacha. These properties, a 2,284m² plot at No. 9 Abakpa GRA and a 3,705m² plot at No. 1 Degel Road, Ungwan Rimi GRA, had been revoked in 2022 by former Governor Nasir el-Rufai under the Land Use Act of 1978 for alleged contraventions. The plots are covered by Certificates of Occupancy Nos. 30575 and 11458.
The revocations were publicly announced in April 2022, with General Abacha’s name listed among those affected. Representing the Abacha family, lawyer Reuben Atabo (SAN) challenged the decision in court (cases KDH/KAD/465/2021 and KDH/KAD/509/2022), citing embarrassment caused to the family.
On December 10, 2024, Governor Uba Sani, through the Deed Registrar and Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS), officially reinstated the land titles. Letters addressed to Mohammed Sani Abacha via the family’s counsel directed the titleholders to resolve outstanding ground rent payments.
This move signifies a reversal of the previous administration’s stance and provides closure to the legal battle over the properties. It underscores Governor Sani’s commitment to resolving disputes and ensuring fairness in land administration.
