The Ward Head of Jatai Community in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State, Muhammadu Shehu Mai Angwa, is facing a court battle over alleged trespass on a parcel of land claimed by Alhaji Babangida Sani Mundi.
Mundi, through his counsel, Celestine Audu, Esq., instituted the suit before Minna High Court No. 8, seeking a declaration of ownership of the disputed property and an injunction restraining the traditional ruler from further entering or laying claim to the land.
According to the writ of summons filed before the court, the disputed property was originally owned by Ibrahim Mohammed Sambo, who sold it to Musa Bako on February 23, 2001.
Counsel stated that Bako subsequently sold the land to the late Chairman of Munya Local Government Area, Mr Denis Barde, on February 8, 2005.
He added that on August 8, 2012, Mrs Juliana Denis Barde, widow of the late council chairman, sold the disputed property to Mundi.
The plaintiff’s counsel told the court that following the transaction, Mundi took possession of the land and later handed it to one of his witnesses to sell for farming purposes.
However, the plaintiff alleged that after about 10 years of possession, the defendant allegedly trespassed onto the property and began laying claim to its ownership.
According to the counsel, the plaintiff was given the original documents relating to the property after the execution of the Deed of Assignment between him and Mrs Juliana Denis Barde.
He further alleged that the defendant was aware that the land had been sold to the plaintiff since 2012 but had continued to lay claim to it.
Counsel urged the court to intervene, arguing that the alleged actions of the defendant could potentially lead to a breakdown of law and order.
Among the reliefs being sought by the plaintiff is a declaration that he is the rightful owner of the disputed land, having purchased it from what he described as the legitimate owner.
He is also seeking an order of injunction restraining the defendant from further trespassing on the property, as well as special, aggravated, punitive and exemplary damages of N2 million and the cost of litigation.
In his response, counsel to the defendant, Mohammed Isah, Esq., informed the court that he had filed and served a counter-affidavit on the plaintiff’s counsel.
While acknowledging receipt of the counter-affidavit, counsel to the plaintiff, Celestine Audu, requested an adjournment to enable him respond to the defendant’s processes.
Justice Binta Bawa Rijau subsequently adjourned the case to September 21, 2026, for the plaintiff to file his response to the counter-affidavit.
