Hon. Attom Magira, a former senatorial candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Borno Central, has taken legal action against the Borno State Government following the demolition of his multi-million naira shopping mall in Maiduguri.
The property, a four-story commercial complex with a multi-purpose hall, was located on Sir Kashim Ibrahim Road, opposite the low-cost housing estate.
However, despite obtaining all necessary permits from the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board (BOSUPDB), the structure was pulled down—a move Magira believes was politically motivated.
Speaking through his lawyer, Hamza N. Dantani Esq., Magira described the demolition as a “blatant disregard for the rule of law and an attack on economic growth.”
He emphasized that the mall provided jobs and business opportunities for local traders, making its destruction a huge setback for the community.
Magira had earlier filed a lawsuit under Suit No. BOHC/MG/CV/8/2025 at the Borno State High Court, seeking to prevent the demolition.
The case was scheduled for hearing on April 22, 2025, yet BOSUPDB went ahead with the action despite the pending court decision.
Legal experts argue that the demolition violated Magira’s constitutional rights, as Nigerian law states that once a case is in court, no further action should be taken until a ruling is made.
So far, the Borno State Government has not publicly explained the reasons behind the demolition.
However, similar demolitions have been carried out in the past under claims of urban planning enforcement.
As the legal battle unfolds, many are watching to see if justice will be served and whether political interests played a role in this controversial demolition.
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