The Sokoto State Government has sealed a campaign office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over questions surrounding ownership and legal custody of the property, which it says belongs to the defunct Savannah Bank.
The state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, announced the decision on Monday after leading government officials to the premises.
He said the government acted following a recent confrontation involving supporters of different political parties, which prompted an investigation into the ownership of the building.
According to Dantsoho, a review of the certificate of occupancy and other relevant property documents indicated that Savannah Bank owned the premises, which he said remained under the custody of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).
He explained that the state government had written to the NDIC to establish the current legal status and custodianship of the property but had yet to receive a response.
“The purpose is simply to inform the general public that there is a government in town and that it has to be respected,” the commissioner said.
He recalled that the government received reports of a misunderstanding between party supporters and an alleged disruption of another party’s activities at the premises.
Dantsoho said the government decided to seal the building pending clarification from the NDIC, citing the need to protect lives, maintain public order and safeguard property.
He stated that the premises would remain sealed until the corporation provided further direction.
The commissioner also urged anyone claiming ownership of the building to submit relevant documents for verification.
He warned that unauthorised attempts to enter the premises could attract sanctions, including prosecution.
The ADC had not issued an official response to the sealing as of the time the report was filed.
The development reportedly followed allegations of attacks involving ADC supporters and operatives of a state-owned security outfit, adding to political tensions in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
