Kwankwaso, 4 Ex-Commissioners Head to Court Over Seized Vehicles
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO —- Scion of Kwankwaso’s dynasty, and immediate Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso and 4 other ex Commissioner have challenge the state government in court over the seizure of official vehicles at their possession.
The former commissioners, who announced their resignation shortly after the governor’s political switch, said they had filed a suit to stop what they described as the unlawful retrieval of vehicles allocated to them while in office.
A statement signed on behalf of the G5 by AVM Umar Ibrahim (retd.) said the action became necessary to “protect rights and privileges guaranteed under the law.”
According to Ibrahim, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government had formally written to the former commissioners directing them to return the vehicles.
However, he argued that provisions of the Revised 2023 Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission Act justified their retention of the vehicles.
“We responded by drawing attention to the relevant provisions of the law which entitle certain categories of public office holders to such benefits,” he said.
He further alleged that despite the pending legal process, security operatives acting on government orders invaded their residences and confiscated vehicles, including personal cars belonging to their spouses.
“Our homes were trespassed, our families intimidated, and personal property evacuated while we were away,” Ibrahim stated.
He stressed “This is a gross violation of our personal liberty and the sanctity of our homes.”
The former officials described the government’s actions as vindictive and politically motivated.
In his words, “We believe this is an attempt to embarrass and undermine individuals who have diligently served the state for over two years”.
Ibrahim noted that the vehicles were only allocated to them about four months before their resignation.
He also claimed there was selective treatment in the enforcement of the directive, alleging that a former Commissioner for Transport who resigned earlier was allowed to retain his official vehicle.
“This raises serious questions about fairness and consistency in the application of government directives,” he said.
Efforts to get an official response from the Kano State Government were unsuccessful as of press time.
However, sources within the administration maintain that all government property must be returned upon resignation and that due process was followed in requesting compliance.
The matter is now before the court, where the former commissioners say they are seeking judicial interpretation of their entitlements. “As law-abiding citizens, we have chosen the path of the rule of law,” Ibrahim said.
“We urge our supporters to remain calm while the court determines the issues at stake.”