B Y TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU

The Sokoto State Government has sealed an office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing an unresolved ownership dispute and security concerns following a recent disturbance involving party supporters and suspected troublemakers.

The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barrister Nasiru Dantsoho, announced the closure on Monday, insisting that the decision was taken to prevent further unrest and protect lives and property.

Dantsoho explained that the government reviewed documents relating to the building and discovered that the property was originally registered under the defunct Savannah Bank, with no official record indicating that ownership had subsequently been transferred to another party.

He said the government had formally contacted the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), which he identified as the custodian of the property, to establish its current ownership. However, the corporation had yet to respond to the inquiry.

According to the commissioner, the decision to seal the premises was therefore taken as a precautionary measure while the government awaits clarification from the NDIC.

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He urged anyone claiming ownership of the building to submit relevant documents for verification and proper documentation, assuring that the premises could be released to its legitimate owner once the matter had been resolved.

However, Dantsoho warned that the property would remain under the state government's control until the ownership question was settled. He also cautioned against any attempt to forcefully enter the sealed building, threatening legal action and possible prosecution against violators.

The development comes amid heightened political tension in Sokoto State following reports of clashes and alleged attacks involving ADC supporters and operatives of a state-owned security outfit.

The government's action is likely to attract further political attention, particularly as the circumstances surrounding the sealing of the party's office unfold.