The Borno State government has demolished a multi-million naira plaza belonging to the family of a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Attom Magira.
The building, located at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Road, opposite State low-cost housing estate, Maiduguri, was demolished during the week, SaharaReporters was told.
Magira, a former All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant in the 2019 elections, is known as a leading opposition figure in the state.
He has been vocal in challenging Governor Babagana Zulum’s policies.
Earlier, on January 24, 2025, the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board (BOUPDB), wrote to the politician, notifying him of a notice to revoke a development permit earlier issued to him.
However, his lawyers wrote back to the agency with necessary documents and payment receipts.
“We wish to state categorically that the facts contained in the Board’s demolition notice are not the true state of facts and are misleading. First off, contrary to what is contained in the Board’s demolition notice, our client’s building has only four floors (a ground floor and four floors), so there is no illegal 5th floor” as falsely stated in the letter.
“Also, our client obtained approval for the entire building, including the multi-purpose hall. Further, the fence surrounding our client’s building properly aligns with the property line. The photos of the building and video evidence will prove these facts.
It is then curious, if not mysterious, that the board has invoked Section 51 (supra) to demolish a part of our client’s building when he has not flouted any development permit/building permit laws and has obtained all the requisite permits necessary for the building.
“In accordance with the provisions of the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board Law which the Board has invoked to justify its demolition notice, our client, being dissatisfied with the demolition notice, hereby invokes Section 52 of the law thereof and appeals against the Board’s revocation of development permit no. BSUPDB/DC/2194.
“Pursuant to his constitutional right to fair hearing jealously protected by Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), our client would like to be afforded the opportunity to state his case and defend his constitutional right to immovable property equally guaranteed by Section 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
Consequent upon the above, our client hereby asks for a stay of execution of the demolition notice pending when all the legal procedures stipulated in Section 52 of the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board Law is adhered to.”
The Governor had earlier in February ordered the arrest of Attom over a billboard sponsored by supporters of the “YES TO MERGER” campaign, which called for a merger of political parties in the state.
The billboard, featuring Magira’s image and the slogan “Say Yes To Merger,” was reportedly destroyed by unidentified individuals.
He was subsequently charged before the State High Court of Justice with the Borno State government as the complainant.
The opposition member was also accused of saying ‘Yes to merger’, “knowing that same was likely to cause a breach of public peace”.
The first count had read: “That you, Attom Magira Tom ‘m’ 43′ yrs old, on or about the 22/12/2024, at about 2000 hrs at Bulumkutu along Maiduguri-Kano Road, Maiduguri, which is within the jurisdiction of this honorable Court, did commit an illegal act, to wit;
falsely personated His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, in that you mounted your picture on a Bill-Board and addressed yourself as HE ATTOM MUH’D MAGIRA and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Borno State, 2023.”
Count Two read, “That you, Attom Magira Tom ‘m’ ’43’ yrs old, on or about the 22/12/2024, at about 2000 hrs at Bulumkutu along Maiduguri-Kano Road, Maiduguri, which is within the jurisdiction of this honorable Court, did commit an illegal act, to wit; inciting public disturbance, in that you mounted your picture on a Bill-Board with the inscription ‘SAY YES to MERGER, knowing that same was likely to cause a breach of public peace and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 79 of the Penal Code Law of Borno State, 2023.”
The charges were filed by Hauwa Abubakar Isa, Attorney General of Borno State and others in the Attorney-General’s Chambers, Ministry of Justice, Borno State.
NNPP Chieftain Sues Borno Govt Over Demolition Of Shopping Mall
A Chieftain of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Hon. Attom Magira has sued the Borno State government over the demolition of his multi-million naira shopping mall in the state.
The four-storey building, located at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Road, opposite State low-cost housing estate, Maiduguri, was demolished by the state government.
Speaking through his Lawyer, Hamza N. Dantani Esq of Kayode Ajulo & co. Castle of law, he said Hon. Attom Magira, who is a law-abiding citizen, had sought the protection of the court.
Dantani said as the last hope of the commoner, he instituted legal proceedings at the Borno State High Court in Alhaji M. Attom Magira v. Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board (BOSUPDB); Suit No. BOHC/MG/CV/8/2025 to prevent the unlawful demolition of his property until the court decides whether or not he breached any town planning rules.
He alleged that the demolition exercise was masterminded by the Borno State Government under the direct instruction of the present administration under the leadership of Governor Babagana Zulum.
Our correspondent observed that the state government has recently carried out demolition of illegal structures and residential buildings in some parts of the state capital, but the government is yet to issue any statement as to why the Attoms structure was demolished.
According to Dantani, “the demolition of my client’s Plaza is 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.
“This brazen act, driven by political vendetta rather than lawful governance, exposes the alarming level of impunity that has become the trademark of present administration.
“Hon. Attom Magira is the lawful owner of the property described above, having been granted a statutory right of occupancy over the land and having duly obtained all necessary permits from the relevant state government agency, Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board (BOSUPDB).
“In compliance with all applicable laws, he paid all required fees and was issued development permit no. BSUPDB/DC/2194 over his statutory right of occupancy no. BO/86138. It is pretty interesting that during the entire construction phase of the property, BOSUPDB never raised any concerns about town planning violations.
“Beyond personal gain, Hon. Attom Magira’s investment was a source of livelihood for many people in Borno State, employing indigenes and residents in various capacities during construction and providing commercial space that would have boosted local businesses.
In a state ravaged by Boko Haram terrorism, insecurity, and economic crisis, such an investment should have been welcomed and protected—not torn down in the name of political persecution.”