Legal Action Against Borno State Government Over Demolition of Shopping Complex.

Hon. Attom Magira, the 2023 Borno Central Senatorial Candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has taken legal action against the Borno State Government following the demolition of his multi-million naira shopping complex in Maiduguri. The property, a four-story commercial shopping complex and multi-purpose hall located on Sir Kashim Ibrahim Road, was demolished earlier this week.

In a press statement released on Saturday, Magira, represented by Human Rights Activist Hamza N. Dantani Esq. of Kayode Ajulo & Co. Castle of Law, expressed his grievances and sought judicial intervention. He has filed a case at the Borno State High Court (Alhaji M. Attom Magira v. Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board; Suit No. BOHC/MG/CV/8/2025) to prevent the unlawful demolition of his property until the court can determine whether any town planning regulations were violated.

Magira alleges that the demolition was carried out under the direct orders of Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration. While the state government has not provided an official explanation for the demolition, it has previously conducted similar actions against structures deemed ‘illegal’ in the interest of public welfare.

Dantani condemned the demolition as “not just an attack on one man’s investment but a blatant disregard for the rule of law, judicial authority, and the economic future of Borno State.” He characterized the action as politically motivated, reflecting the current administration’s perceived impunity.

According to Dantani, Magira legally owns the property, having been granted a statutory right of occupancy and obtained all necessary permits from the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board (BOSUPDB). He asserted that all required fees were paid, and development permit no. BSUPDB/DC/2194 was issued over statutory right of occupancy no. BO/86138. Notably, Dantani pointed out that during the construction phase, BOSUPDB did not raise any concerns regarding potential town planning violations.

Beyond being a personal investment, Magira’s project was poised to provide employment opportunities for local residents during construction and was set to offer commercial spaces to boost local businesses. In a state grappling with the impacts of Boko Haram insurgency, insecurity, and economic challenges, Dantani emphasized that such investments should be protected rather than targeted for political reasons.