Five former members of the Kano State Government have taken legal action against the state, filing a suit at the National Industrial Court over the seizure of vehicles previously assigned to them while in office.
The dispute arose after officials allegedly retrieved the cars from the ex-commissioners in what the claimants describe as a forceful and unlawful operation.
Among those challenging the move is Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports and son of ex-Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The group is contesting the actions of the state’s Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, which they accuse of intimidation and abuse of power.
The Defection
The legal battle comes in the wake of a political shake-up triggered by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recent defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party to the All Progressives Congress.
Shortly after the governor’s switch, the five commissioners — Nasiru Sule Garo (Special Duties), AVM Ibrahim Umar (Internal Security), Adamu Aliyu Kibiya (Humanitarian Affairs), Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata (Science and Technology), and Kwankwaso (Youth and Sports) — tendered their resignations.
Court documents cited by Daily Trust reveal that AVM Ibrahim Umar, who stepped down as Commissioner for Internal Security in January, filed suit number NICN/KN/14/2026 against the Kano State Attorney General and two additional parties.
Umar alleges that operatives stormed his residence on February 26, disrupted his household, and drove away his official vehicle.
He is seeking the immediate return of the car as well as identification of those responsible for the operation.
In a joint statement issued on behalf of the affected former commissioners, Umar described the government’s conduct as vindictive and politically motivated.
The Argument
The ex-officials argue that, under existing regulations governing the remuneration and benefits of political officeholders, official vehicles form part of their entitlements.
They also pointed to the precedent of a former transport commissioner who was reportedly permitted to retain his vehicle after leaving office, insisting they deserve equal treatment.
Beyond the seizure of government-issued cars, the group further alleged that authorities removed privately owned vehicles belonging to their spouses during the operation.
They described the incident as an invasion of privacy and an infringement on their families’ rights.
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“Our personal liberty and the sanctity of our homes were violated,” the statement read, adding that the action appeared designed to harass and silence dissenting voices in the state’s political landscape.