From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has ordered the Kano State government to pay N30 billion within the next seven days following the unlawful demolition of the property of shop owners at Masallacin Eid Ground.
Justice Samuel Amobeda, who issued the order, directed that the money be deposited in the court’s bank account pending the outcome of the appeal process initiated by the state government on the case.
Daily Sun reports that the order is a condition by the court to grant a motion of stay of execution filed by the state government against thr previous judgment, which was delivered on October 4, 2023.
According to Justice Amobeda, the execution of the judgment from suit number FHC/KN/Cs/208/2023, involving the Incorporated Trustees of Masallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders Association, shall be stayed pending the appeal’s determination.
He instructed the judgment debtors (government) to pay the N30 billion into the court’s interest-yielding account within the specified timeline while directing them to obtain the details of the courts account from the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.
The deposited sum, along with accruing interests and after deducting administrative charges, would be paid to the party who succeeds in the appeal, as determined by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court, Justice Amobeda directed.
It was not clear as at press time if the state government would meet the deadline of the court given the challenging economic situation in the state.