Shop Owners In FHC Sharada Demand Justice After Alleged Police, DSS Involvement In Land Battle

The shop owners, who have been operating in the area for over 20 years, have filed formal complaints with several authorities, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the State Governor, and the State Commissioner of Justice.

Alhaji Sani Maikusa, Chairman of the Committee of Corner-Shop Owners at Sharada Federal Housing Estate, and Hafiz Mato, the Secretary, stated that these alleged impostors have been intimidating legitimate landowners, creating an atmosphere of fear and instability in the community.

“We are peaceful, responsible individuals, many of whom are retirees and pensioners. We are not violent, but we want to make it clear that we will use all available means to defend our honor and property,” the committee’s petition emphasized.

The shop owners assert their legal ownership of the plots, some of which have titles valid for 60 to 99 years. Despite having made payments and awaiting regularization, they allege that corrupt elements within the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) are hindering the process to favor political allies.

“It is unfortunate that, despite a valid and subsisting court order by Hon. Justice Abdu Maiwada Abubakar in suit No. K/137/2023, restraining all defendants from forcefully taking over our land, some unscrupulous individuals are deceiving unsuspecting buyers by reselling the same land,” the petition stated.

The Committee has accused the new management of the FHA of targeting their properties based on tribal and religious grounds, raising serious concerns about discrimination and injustice within government practices.

They have called for intervention from state leaders and stakeholders to stop what they described as a “dangerous experiment.”

“We urge the God-fearing and conscientious leaders of our State to stop this harmful practice, allegedly being carried out by the new management of FHA, targeting us on tribal and religious grounds while leaving land in other states untouched,” the statement concluded.