Kano Government Grapples with Frozen Accounts Amidst Court-Ordered Financial Freeze

Government operations in Kano are grappling with disruptions following a court order that froze a minimum of 24 bank accounts belonging to the state government.

The freezing of these accounts is a consequence of the Federal High Court, Kano imposing a hefty N30 billion fine against the state government for the demolition of properties belonging to businesses and individuals in the region.

In recent days, lower-ranking officials have been observed in huddles at the Audu Bako Secretariat, the State Government Secretariat, discussing the limited services being provided.

Notably absent are top officials, including Governor Abba Yusuf and the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Bichi, prompting speculation.

An undisclosed source revealed that only government bank accounts handling internally generated revenue remain unaffected by the court order, as these accounts are utilized to fund essential services.

The state government has not officially commented on the situation, leaving government spokesperson Halilu Dantiye to state on Monday that he is yet to be briefed about the development.

The freezing order was granted by the Federal High Court in Abuja in response to the Kano State government’s failure to pay the N30 billion compensation imposed by the court for the unlawful demolition of properties.

The court order affects various bank accounts, including the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi, reportedly unavailable due to travel, has not commented on the situation.

The court order stipulates that the frozen funds, present and future, should amount to N30 billion to satisfy the judgment.

This legal turmoil originated from the Kano State government’s demolition of properties in violation of the law.

Despite the court’s directive for compensation, the state government challenged the judgment, leading to a freeze on its accounts and subsequent disruption of governmental activities.

Source: Premium Times