The Sokoto State Government has sealed an office of the African Democratic Congress in the state over a dispute concerning the ownership of the property, pending clarification from the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation.

The state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, announced the development in a statement on Monday.

Dantsoho said the government took the decision to prevent further disturbances and protect lives and property following a recent confrontation involving party supporters and suspected miscreants.

He explained that a review of the property’s ownership documents showed that it originally belonged to the defunct Savannah Bank, with no official record indicating that ownership had been transferred to another individual or organisation.

“Following a review of the Certificate of Occupancy and other relevant documents, we discovered that this property belongs to the Savannah Bank, and that ownership has not changed as of today,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that the state government had formally written to the NDIC, which he identified as the custodian of the property, seeking clarification on its current ownership.

“We have written to the NDIC, the custodian of this building, to clarify its present ownership, but we are yet to receive a response,” Dantsoho said.

He said the government decided to seal the premises while awaiting the corporation’s response to avoid further confrontation and ensure the safety of residents and property in the area.

The commissioner urged anyone claiming ownership of the building to submit relevant documents to the ministry for verification and proper documentation.

He explained that the property could be released to its rightful owner once the ownership claim had been established and the necessary documentation completed.

Dantsoho, however, insisted that the premises would remain sealed and under the control of the state government until the dispute was resolved.

He warned that anyone attempting to forcefully gain access to the building despite the government’s action would face the full weight of the law.

The sealing comes amid heightened political tension in Sokoto State following allegations of attacks involving supporters of the ADC and operatives of state-owned security outfits.