Court Cautions DSS Over Alleged Violation of Injunction in Bauchi Land Dispute

A High Court in Bauchi State has cautioned the Department of State Services against taking any action that could violate an existing court order concerning a disputed parcel of land in Firo village, Ganjuwa Local Government Area of the state.

The warning was issued on Thursday by Justice Aliyu Bin Idris during proceedings in suit No. BA/251/2026 filed by Hajiya Fatima Abdullahi, Ishaq Mohammed Kobi and Murtala Ismail.

The plaintiffs instituted the case against the Bauchi State Ministry of Lands and Survey, the Attorney General of Bauchi State and the DSS, Bauchi State Command.

During the proceedings, Justice Idris reaffirmed an earlier order restraining the DSS and officials of the Ministry of Lands and Survey from entering or interfering with the disputed land situated near the Gubi Dam area pending the determination of the suit.

Speaking after the court session, counsel to the plaintiffs, Abdullatif Gwani Isa, said the claimants approached the court after alleging that DSS operatives and some officials of the Ministry of Lands and Survey entered the farmland without prior notice, consultation or lawful authority.

According to him, the officials allegedly began marking the land for possible acquisition, prompting the landowners to seek legal protection.

Isa explained that the court had previously granted an interim injunction to preserve the status quo and protect the rights of the claimants while the matter remains before the court.

He added that the court once again stressed the importance of strict compliance with its order following allegations that activities were still being carried out on the land despite the subsisting injunction.

“The court restrained both the DSS and officials of the Ministry of Lands from entering the farmland for acquisition, compensation assessment or demarcation pending the determination of the matter and until due legal procedures are followed,” Isa said.

The lawyer disclosed that while the Ministry of Lands and Survey had filed and served its response to the suit, the DSS had yet to do so.

He noted that the hearing of a motion on notice seeking an interlocutory injunction could not proceed because service of relevant court processes on the DSS had not been completed.

Justice Idris subsequently reminded counsel representing the DSS and the ministry to ensure their clients comply fully with the court’s directives pending the next adjourned date in the matter.