Gov Sani Returns Ownership Of Abacha Family Properties Seized By El-Rufai

The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani has reinstated the ownership of two properties previously revoked from the family of the late military dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha, during the administration of his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Abacha family lawyer, Reuben Atabo (SAN) confirmed the reinstatement on Tuesday, describing it as a significant development.

Atabo said the revocation had caused “embarrassment” to the Abacha family, prompting legal action against the state government.

Naija News reports that the properties, located at No. 9 Abakpa GRA and No. 1 Degel Road, Ungwan Rimi GRA, in Kaduna, had been seized in 2022 following allegations of breaches of occupancy terms under the Land Use Act.

The revocation, which was widely publicised in newspapers on April 28, 2022, included the late Abacha’s name as item 34 among those affected

However, Governor Sani had reversed the revocation in two separate letters dated December 10, 2024, through the Kaduna Geographic Information Service.

Both letters, signed by Mustapha Haruna on behalf of the Director General of KADGIS, directed the family to settle outstanding fees and charges as a condition for reinstatement.

One of the letters reads: “His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna State, has in the powers conferred on him under the Land Use Act 1978, reinstated the aforementioned title… Subject to strict condition of settling all outstanding fees and charges.”

The Abacha family, through Atabo, welcomed the decision, describing it as a gesture of fairness and justice.

The reinstatement marks a shift from El-Rufai’s administration, which had cited “various contraventions” as the basis for revoking the properties.