A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Hon. Attom Magira, has taken legal action against the Borno State government following the demolition of his multi-million naira shopping mall in Maiduguri.
The four-storey plaza, located along Sir Kashim Ibrahim Road, opposite the State Low-Cost Housing Estate, was recently pulled down by the state government as part of an ongoing demolition exercise targeting structures deemed illegal.
However, Magira argues that his property was lawfully acquired and fully approved by relevant authorities.
Speaking through his lawyer, Hamza N. Dantani of Kayode Ajulo & Co. Castle of Law, Magira said he had approached the Borno State High Court to challenge the demolition, describing it as unlawful.
In the suit Alhaji M. Attom Magira v. Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board (BOSUPDB) (Suit No. BOHC/MG/CV/8/2025), Magira seeks to establish that his building complied with all town planning regulations and should not have been targeted.
Dantani alleged that the demolition was politically motivated and carried out under direct instructions from Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration.
“The demolition of my client’s shopping mall is not just an attack on an individual’s investment but a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the economic future of Borno State,” Dantani stated.
He further noted that Magira had secured a statutory right of occupancy and obtained all necessary approvals, including development permit no. BSUPDB/DC/2194 for his property.
Despite the state government’s ongoing crackdown on unauthorized buildings, it has yet to provide an official explanation for the demolition of Magira’s plaza.
Dantani stressed that the investment was meant to create employment opportunities and boost local businesses in a state already struggling with economic hardship and insecurity.
“In a region devastated by terrorism and economic challenges, such an investment should have been protected, not destroyed due to political persecution,” he added.
