The Kano State High Court has issued a restraining order against the Federal Government to halt further construction activities on the Kano-Daura-Niger Republic railway project across disputed land in the Kuyan Ta Inna community.
The court order follows a suit filed by the Kano Property Agent Development Association representing affected landowners in the area.
Presiding judge, Justice Usman Na Abba, ruled that the project must not continue without adherence to due legal processes.
The court directed the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Ministry of Transport and the compensation consultant to comply fully with the law before any further action is taken on the disputed land.
The plaintiffs, through their counsel Usman Baito, argued that the defendants attempted to impose inadequate compensation in violation of constitutional protections.
Baito stated that the court affirmed the necessity of lawful procedures in acquiring community land for public projects.
The ruling reinforces the legal rights of the Kuyan Ta Inna residents and affirms that development must not override constitutional guarantees.
Baito added that transparency and equitable treatment are essential in any land acquisition process and the court emphasized that ignoring such principles would render the project unlawful.
Chairman of the association Isa Jibrin Isa confirmed the community’s support for the railway project but insisted on proper legal compliance.
He stated that the residents are open to negotiation but will only sign compensation agreements based on fair valuation that respects their rights and property.
The restraining order comes amid wider national infrastructure efforts and shows the importance of balancing development with legal due process.
As of the time of reporting, the Federal Government and project contractors had not provided official responses to the ruling.
