Comrade Mustapha Yahaya Bida, a former chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Kaduna Polytechnic, has made serious allegations regarding illegal trespassing on his property, despite a court injunction intended to protect his rights.
Background of the Dispute
Bida, who retired in 2024 after 39 years of service, claims that land grabbers illegally entered his residence at No. 13 Ribadu Road, Unguwan Rimi GRA, Gabasawa, Kaduna, resulting in the destruction of his boy’s quarters and fence. He asserts that a new fence was erected in defiance of a Kaduna State High Court order.
The court had issued an interim injunction preventing any unauthorized activities on Bida’s property while the matter was under review. This included a restriction on the police from engaging with him regarding the property until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
Allegations of Police Involvement
According to Bida, the situation escalated when he was invited by the Special Investigation Bureau (SIB) of the Kaduna State Police to inform him that part of his property had been allocated to another individual. He challenged this claim, requesting a police escort to visit the property and confirm the facts.
During the inspection, it was apparent to the police team that the area purportedly allocated to the new occupant was merely plain land, not part of the boy’s quarters as asserted by the land grabbers. Bida noted that the police insisted he allow these individuals to enter his property and begin development despite the court’s injunction.
Legal and Financial Claims
Bida claims that the alleged land grabbers have not produced any legitimate claim to the property. He described a mysterious individual named in the offer letter as the new allottee who has never appeared in court, nor has his proxy.
He reiterated his legal standing, stating that he duly applied for the property, received an offer letter, and paid all necessary fees, including a 10% down payment and an additional 5% for administrative charges. Additionally, he covered the costs associated with obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the property.
Broader Implications
Bida expressed concern that many other staff members at Kaduna Polytechnic face similar challenges with land grabbers and are currently in legal battles over their properties. He suggested that his pursuit of justice in court might be fueling the ongoing harassment regarding his residence.
Call for Justice
Comrade Mustapha Yahaya Bida’s situation highlights the broader issues of land grabbing and the need for stronger legal protections for property owners in Nigeria. His determination to seek justice underscores the importance of upholding court orders and protecting individuals’ rights against illegal encroachment