The properties, situated at No. 9 Abakpa GRA and No. 1 Degel Road, Ungwan Rimi GRA, Kaduna, were confiscated in 2022 due to alleged breaches of occupancy terms under the Land Use Act.
On Tuesday, Reuben Atabo (SAN), legal counsel for the Abacha family, confirmed the reinstatement and hailed it as a positive development. The revocation, which made headlines on April 28, 2022, listed General Abacha’s name among the affected parties, reportedly causing the family embarrassment and leading them to pursue legal action against the state government.
Governor Sani reversed the revocation in two letters dated December 10, 2024, issued through the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS). Signed by Mustapha Haruna on behalf of the KADGIS Director General, the letters directed the Abacha family to pay all outstanding fees and charges as a condition for reclaiming the properties.
One letter stated: “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 their lawyer, welcomed the decision, calling it an act of fairness and justice.
The reinstatement marks a departure from the policies of the El-Rufai administration, which had revoked the properties citing various violations.
