Kano State Vehicles: Court Denies Ex-Commissioners' Halt Order
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, sitting in its Kano State Judicial Division, has declined to grant interim orders sought by some former members of the Kano State Executive Council, who aimed to prevent the state government from retrieving official vehicles allocated to them while in office.
Justice Mahmood Abba Namtari delivered the ruling on Monday after carefully considering separate ex parte applications filed by the former commissioners. The applications, which stemmed from similar circumstances and requested identical reliefs, were consolidated and heard together to streamline the legal process.
Court's Decision on Interim Injunctions
In a concise decision, Justice Namtari refused to grant the interim injunctions. Instead, he directed that the matters be heard on notice, thereby ensuring that all parties involved will be afforded the opportunity to present their arguments before any temporary relief is considered. This procedural step underscores the court's commitment to fairness and due process.
The cases have subsequently been adjourned to 10th March 2026 for further proceedings, allowing ample time for all submissions and legal preparations.
Parties Involved and Allegations
The defendants named in the suits include the Attorney General of Kano State, the Governor of Kano State, and the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission. Representing the former commissioners was Suraj Sa’ed, SAN, who led a team of five other counsel.
The claimants, who tendered their resignations in January 2026, comprise: Dr Yusuf Ibrahim K/Mata, former Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation; AVM Ibrahim Umar (Rtd), former Commissioner for Internal Security; Nasir Sule Garo, former Commissioner for Special Duties; Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, former Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; and Mustapha Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, former Commissioner for Youth and Sports.
These individuals informed the court that they had received correspondence from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, instructing them to return all official vehicles in their possession. They further alleged that separate communications from the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission warned of potential enforcement steps to recover government property should they fail to comply with the directive.
Legal Arguments and Court's Rationale
Through motions filed under Order 17 Rule 1 of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (Civil Procedure Rules 2017), the claimants sought interim injunctions to restrain the respondents from taking action to retrieve the vehicles pending the hearing of their substantive motions. Counsel for the applicants argued that the primary purpose of an interim injunction is to preserve the status quo until the court determines the substantive rights of the parties involved. They contended that the balance of convenience favoured their clients and urged the court to intervene in the interest of justice.
In refusing the ex parte applications, Justice Namtari highlighted the paramount importance of procedural fairness. His decision to order that the respondents be put on notice means that no interim protection will be granted without first hearing the arguments from the state government and other defendants. This ruling does not, however, determine whether the former commissioners are legally entitled to retain the vehicles; it simply indicates the court’s preference for a comprehensive hearing before any temporary or substantive pronouncement is made.