A fresh land dispute has emerged in Kano, Nigeria, between the Yan Bahead Association and Islamic cleric, Sheikh Tijjani Bala Kalarawi, over a property located in Fagge local government area. The land, situated beside Kantin Kwari textile market, has been used by drivers for over 70 years, but Sheikh Kalarawi claims it was allocated to him by Governor Yusuf in February 2024. ¹
The Yan Bahead Association, which has occupied the land for over 75 years, secured a Certificate of Occupancy 13 years ago and has consistently paid ground rent, including the latest payment for 2025/2026. Association leader, Sunusi Abdullahi Mohammed, disputes Sheikh Kalarawi’s claim, stating that the cleric’s assertion is “misleading and not true”.
Mohammed explains that the association had sought approval from the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) to develop the land but was denied, only to later hear that it had been allocated to Sheikh Kalarawi. “The place is ours. The fact that he is using the place to preach doesn’t mean it belongs to him,” Mohammed stated.
Sheikh Kalarawi insists he is the rightful owner, possessing necessary documents, including KNUPDA approval to build a school on the site, obtained in March 2025. He claims the land had remained idle for decades until Governor Yusuf allocated it to him.
The Kano State Commissioner of Land and Physical Planning, Abduljabbar Umar Garko, was unavailable for comment, and efforts to reach him proved abortive.
This dispute highlights the complexities of land ownership in Nigeria, where multiple parties often claim rights to a single property. The outcome of this dispute remains uncertain, with both parties holding documents to support their claims.
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