By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna A property developer, Malam Hassan Umar Isah, has formally retracted allegations he earlier made a...
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
A property developer, Malam Hassan Umar Isah, has formally retracted allegations he earlier made against the Director General of the Kaduna State Geographic Information Service (KADGIS), Dr. Bashir Garba Ibrahim, over the alleged seizure of a farmland valued at N150 million.
Isah had accused the KADGIS boss of abusing his office to confiscate the 3.908-hectare property located at Unguwan Kudu, Unguwan Rimi, in Kaduna North Local Government Area, which he claimed to have purchased on February 26, 2025.
However, in a dramatic reversal, Isah has admitted that the allegations were false and unfounded.
“After careful reflection, I realised that my allegations against Dr. Bashir Garba Ibrahim were baseless and incorrect,” Isah said in a statement. “I sincerely apologise to Dr. Ibrahim, the Kaduna State Government, and the good people of Kaduna State for the harm and misunderstanding my statements may have caused.”
The allegations had earlier generated public concern over land administration and governance in Kaduna State. However, the Buda family, the original owners of the disputed land, had distanced themselves from Isah, stating that he lacked the authority to represent them and that the purported agreement was terminated due to non-payment.
The family further exonerated Dr. Ibrahim, affirming that his actions were in line with existing government policies and procedures.
“We wish to state clearly that Dr. Bashir Garba Ibrahim is a man of integrity who is working diligently for the development of Kaduna State,” the family said in a statement.
Following the allegations, KADGIS had petitioned relevant authorities, accusing Isah of criminal defamation, injurious falsehood, and incitement, citing Sections 371, 372, 373, and 378 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017 (as amended).
In his retraction, Isah also praised the leadership of Dr. Ibrahim and Governor Uba Sani, noting their collaborative efforts toward the development of Kaduna State and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Both Dr. Bashir Garba Ibrahim and Governor Uba Sani are working tirelessly for the progress of Kaduna State. Their commitment to development is unwavering, and I fully support their efforts,” Isah said.
Reacting to the development, Dr. Ibrahim described the retraction as a vindication of KADGIS’ commitment to transparency and accountability in land administration.
“This development reinforces our resolve to uphold due process and fairness in the management of land matters across Kaduna State,” he said.
The Kaduna State Government also welcomed the retraction, with Governor Uba Sani urging residents and stakeholders to work collectively toward the state’s development.
“We will continue to engage all stakeholders to ensure that Kaduna State remains a model of good governance, transparency, and sustainable development,” the governor said.
The retraction has attracted reactions from various quarters, with many commending Dr. Ibrahim for his integrity and leadership. In a statement, the Kaduna State Chamber of Commerce and Industry described him as “a committed public servant whose leadership at KADGIS has strengthened confidence in land governance.”
Observers say the development represents a positive step toward strengthening land administration and restoring public trust in Kaduna State, with KADGIS expected to play a key role in driving the state’s development agenda under Dr. Ibrahim’s leadership.
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