The Plateau State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon Philemon Daffi, Esq, has reaffirmed the government’s determination to reclaim and protect public properties following a legal dispute over a contentious piece of land in Bukuru Market, Jos South LGA.
The case, which is currently before the Plateau State High Court, between Alhaji Hassan Raji and the Jos South Local Government Council over the ownership and allocation of an empty space of land in front of the business premises of numerous shops including the claimant’s shop, claiming as part of his property.
During a hearing at High Court, Court 8, presided over by Justice Geoffrey Kamyal, the Attorney-General, represented by the Director of Civil Litigation, Sabo Longji, Esq maintained that all government-owned lands would be duly protected from unlawful occupation or unauthorized allocation, given that the government’s stance aligns with its broader agenda to enforce land use regulations and prevent encroachments on public spaces.
Alhaji Hassan Raji, the claimant in suit (No. PLD/J380/2019), contends that he has legal entitlement to the empty space of land situated at No. 1 Madaki Street, by No. 1 Audu Street, Bukuru, which faces Jos Road and argues that the Plateau State Government granted him a Certificate of Occupancy (No. 14068) covering the space, thereby preventing the local government from allocating or granting it to another party.
The claimant had earlier sought a perpetual injunction to restrain the defendant from interfering with the property, arguing that any unauthorized construction on the space would obstruct businesses and renders the shops inaccessible to customers.
However, the Jos South LGA legal team is expected to present witnesses when the case resumes on April 8 and 9, 2025.
The case was adjourned after the defendant’s key witness was not in court due to a bereavement. The upcoming court session is expected to be pivotal in determining the future of the disputed land.
