A Kano State High Court has refuted allegations by Surajo Isa Yarima, who accused the court of unlawfully auctioning his property and leaving his family homeless.
In a statement on Tuesday, the court’s Head of Public Relations, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, described the allegations as baseless and an attempt to tarnish the court’s reputation.
READ ALSO: Kano Court adjourns Abduljabbar’s trial
The controversy began when a Small Claims Magistrate Court ruled in December 2023 that Yarima owed a plaintiff N355,000. After failing to pay, the judgment creditor pursued the attachment of Yarima’s movable properties, which were insufficient. The creditor then sought approval from the High Court to auction Yarima’s immovable property, following due legal process.
“All actions taken by the court in this matter were in accordance with the law and principles of justice,” Ibrahim stated.
According to the court, Yarima was duly notified and given opportunities to contest the application but failed to appear. The claims that his property was hastily sold and that his family was rendered homeless were also dismissed.
“Investigations revealed that the property was rented out at the time of the sale, and his family was never evicted. The only item found in the house was a single mattress,” the statement read.
Yarima’s wife had also petitioned the court, claiming ownership of the property. However, the court dismissed her case after finding that the documents she presented did not pertain to the auctioned property.
The Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Aboki, launched an investigation into the matter, which included visits to the property and its surroundings.
“Our findings unequivocally disproved the allegations. Yarima and his family resided in a neighboring house. After the auction, he sold that house and renovated the auctioned property to deceive the public,” the statement added.
The court cautioned against making false claims against public institutions, citing Section 140 of the Penal Code, which prescribes punishment for such acts.
“It is disheartening that the judiciary, in the lawful execution of its duties, is subjected to baseless attacks. We will not hesitate to take legal action where necessary,” Ibrahim warned.
The court also urged media organizations to verify their reports to prevent the spread of misinformation and safeguard the integrity of public institutions.
“Such inaccurate reporting can damage reputations and disrupt the sanctity of institutions like the High Court, which plays a vital role in delivering justice. The Public Relations office of the Kano State Judiciary remains open to provide clarifications on matters relating to the Judiciary,” the statement concluded.
The High Court reiterated its commitment to justice and transparency in all its dealings.
