Zaria LGA clears air on alleged shops, land gifted to Reps Speaker’s wife

...Warns public against false narratives

The management of Zaria local Government Area of Kaduna State has debunked allegations on Social Media, insinuating that some shops or land in Kofar Doka Area and Amaru in Zaria City were given to the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Tajudeen Abbas.

This was expressed in a statement signed by the Special Adviser/Chief Press Secretary to the Zaria Local Government Executive Chairman, Ishaq Galadima, dated July 9, 2025.

“We are issuing this statement to address a matter that has garnered significant attention within the Zaria Local Government Area and beyond, concerning a land and shops transaction in Kofar Doka and Amaru, Zaria City.

“Recently, a Facebook post alleged that the shops and/or the Kofar Doka land were gifted to the wife of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajuddeen.

“This claim has sparked unnecessary speculation and misinformation, appearing to be a politically motivated attempt to undermine constituted authorities, including the chairman of Zaria local government council, Engineer Jamil Ahmad Muhammad and the Rt. Hon. Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen,” it said.

The statement revealed that they are aware that one of the suspects involved, has made dangerous and inciting allegations about ICT Facility in Amaru Involving the Executive chairman of Zaria Local Government & Deputy Chief of Staff Ilyasu Balarabe.

The statement therefore, provided the following clarifications:

“1. The land was not gifted to anyone. Instead, it is part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between Zaria Local Government and Rich-view Global Nigeria Limited, signed in August 2024.

2. It is crucial to note that this agreement was made prior to the current Chairman’s assumption of office in November 2024. The agreement does not involve the free allocation of land to any individuals, as alleged.

3. It is also important to note the attempt to drag the Executive Chairman of Zaria Local Government and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Speaker into scandals involving alleged non-payment of upkeep, which almost led to a violent riot.”

It informed that in view of the unfounded allegations, investigation and legal proceedings
regarding the allegations is ongoing.

“A Facebook user, “Dan Hajia mai naira,” made a post in Hausa stating: “an zalunchi al-umma tashar kofar doka a Zaria, kun kwace musu shaguna kun baiwa matar speaker ta gina plaza.” This translates to: “the people of Kofar Doka in Zaria are cheated for taking away their shops and gifting them to the wife of the speaker to build plaza.” This post was reported to the police by a supporter of the Executive Chairman of Zaria Local Government and the Speaker’s wife, thereby becoming a case of public interest.

“It is noteworthy that the same “Barde” who shared the Kofar Doka post also made the alleged inciting post concerning the Chairman and the Deputy Chief of Staff.

“Upon filing the complaint at the Area Command in Zaria, the police invited the suspects. When they failed to honor the invitation, the police proceeded to arrest and detain one of the individuals who shared the kofar doka content and the publisher of the ICT Amaru content, as the original poster of the Kofar Doka content is currently at large.

“The arrested suspect was presented before a magistrate court within the legally required timeframe. An FIR was prepared, and he was arraigned on Monday morning, the 6th of July, 2025,” in informed.

It therefore, wanted about the politicization of the matter.

“This issue is undeniably taking on a negative political dimension for several reasons:

“The arrest process was entirely legal, and both the complainant and the police adhered to due process without resorting to any brutal or unlawful means.

“The continued involvement of the Speaker, his wife, and the Executive Chairman of Zaria Local Government in public discourse surrounding this issue only reinforces the perception of a politically motivated campaign,” it said.

Zaria LGA therefore, urged the public to consider the facts and avoid spreading misinformation. We will continue to provide updates as regularly necessary and or required.

They further called for adherence to the law.

“To those disseminating propaganda, we emphasize that legal provisions exist to secure the release of any individual lawfully detained. It is well-known that bail applications, in cases of this nature after cognizance, are typically granted by a high court of justice. As of the time of this press statement, no bail application to that effect has been submitted to our knowledge.

“I call upon those engaged in propaganda to consult the law, as the nominal complainant has done. We must avoid media trials and anything that is inimical or denigrating to the person of the Executive Chairman of Zaria Local Government.

“I also make a public call for everyone to seek clarification on the facts leading to this matter please,” the statement said.