Hundreds of former Malali Low-Cost residents have received new land plots from the Kaduna State Government, ending years of uncertainty after their homes were demolished under the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ENigeria Newspaper has learnt.
The initiative, led by Governor Uba Sani, aims to compensate affected families and restore stability to the community, marking a major step in addressing grievances from the demolition saga.
Dr Bashir Garba Ibrahim, Director General of Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS), personally handed over the land titles, explaining that the allocations follow the resolutions of a January 21 stakeholders’ meeting to investigate the circumstances of the demolitions.
“We want you to become homeowners and contribute to the growth of our state,” Ibrahim told the beneficiaries. He urged them to develop their plots promptly and cautioned against reselling the land.
On behalf of the recipients, Alhaji Mohammed Auwal, chairman of the former Malali residents, expressed gratitude to Governor Sani for fulfilling his promise. “This gesture restores hope for our families and community,” he said, recalling their nine-year struggle for compensation.
Other residents also praised the governor’s leadership, describing it as “compassionate” and “people-centred,” noting that the allocations will allow them to rebuild lives lost to the demolitions.
ENigeria Newspaper recall that the issue started in October 2020 when Malali residents received a seven-day notice to vacate from the Kaduna State Development and Property Company (KSDPC). The notification was eventually withdrawn due to protests. Over 80 buildings were demolished after a subsequent three-day notice in March 2021, which sparked years of compensation applications.
The administration of Governor Sani has now fulfilled its pledge by offering substitute sites and settling one of the most acrimonious housing conflicts in recent Kaduna State history.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s anti-corruption officials continue to look into former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai after he was accused of financial impropriety. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) took over his investigation after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) questioned him initially in February.
His next court appearance is set for April 23, 2026, although his official arraignment has been continually postponed. In the meantime, El-Rufai has launched a lawsuit to stop his assets and bank accounts from being frozen, indicating continued legal opposition to some of the actions done against him.
