By Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Residents of Rimin Auzinawa Quarters in Tudun Yola C, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State have appealed to Abba Kabir Yusuf to intervene in a dispute over the alleged illegal closure of a public access road, warning that the development poses a serious security risk to the community.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, counsel to the residents, Barrister Aminu Garba Sabonsara, alleged that a community leader, Magaji Isyaka Mai Hula, unlawfully converted a public access road into private property by erecting a solid gate and restricting residents’ movement.
Sabonsara explained that residents had jointly agreed to install security gates at strategic entry points to address rising insecurity across the North-West.
According to him, Mai Hula volunteered to provide one of the gates as part of the community security initiative.
He alleged, however, that after installing the gate, Mai Hula replaced the padlock, denied residents access to the road and began claiming ownership of the public right of way.
The lawyer said the action has raised security concerns, with residents alleging that unidentified persons are sometimes brought into the area through the restricted entrance during late-night hours.
He added that the blockade has hindered free movement, delayed emergency access and heightened security fears within the neighbourhood.
Sabonsara disclosed that the matter was reported to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone One Headquarters, Kano, where both parties reportedly reached an agreement on June 15, 2026.
Under the agreement, Mai Hula was said to have undertaken to remove the solid gate and reinstall the original see-through gate between June 16 and June 22.
He also agreed to provide the community vigilante with a key, while the gate would remain open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
According to the lawyer, Mai Hula failed to comply with the agreement. Instead, he allegedly filed criminal complaints against some community members before a Chief Magistrate Court in Nomansland, claiming that his life had been threatened.
Sabonsara further alleged that despite a court order directing that no resident should be arrested or detained while police investigations were ongoing, one of the residents, Ibrahim Lawal Musa, was arrested and detained by officers of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
He said the resident was later released following the intervention of the Kano State Commissioner of Police.
The lawyer called on Governor Yusuf to order the immediate reopening of the public access road, enforce compliance with the agreement reached at the AIG’s office and direct a thorough investigation into the dispute.
He stressed that the residents remained committed to a peaceful resolution but warned that continued inaction could escalate tensions in the community.
He added that the community was willing to cooperate with any panel or committee the state government might establish to restore peace and uphold the rule of law.
However, when contacted, Magaji Isyaka Mai Hula denied the allegations.
He maintained that the disputed access road was part of the land demarcated from his property, accused the residents of being envious of his wealth and insisted that he had done nothing wrong.
