The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) is currently engaged in a legal battle to retain ownership of the land housing its Adamawa State office in Yola, following a brazen encroachment by developers who began excavation work on the property.
The situation escalated when developers forcefully entered the office complex and began digging up a significant portion of the vacant land within the premises, prompting NAN's Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Ali Ali, to fly to Yola and engage security agencies to intervene.
During an assessment visit with his management team, Ali condemned the invasion, stating: "NAN lawfully acquired the land over two decades ago. The land was approved by a former Adamawa State governor with a Certificate of Occupancy."
According to Ali, the dispute took a new turn on June 30, 2025, when individuals presented an unsigned letter dated December 2019, allegedly from the Implementation Committee of a White Paper of a Commission of Inquiry into Alienation of Federal Government Landed Property. The letter claimed the property had been sold to Royal Stone Global Investment Nigeria Ltd.
"It was accompanied by an acceptance form purportedly signed by one Umar Iya of No. 10 Hospital Road, Jimeta-Yola, and dated March 11, 2020," Ali explained.
Despite initial resistance from NAN staff and a court restraining order, the individuals returned, forcibly entered the premises, broke the perimeter fence, and commenced construction work.
The NAN MD has since lodged an official complaint with the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police and briefed the State Commissioner for Information. Additionally, he has approached the court again to restrain the intruders from continuing construction while legal proceedings are ongoing.
This incident highlights a persistent challenge in Adamawa State, particularly in Yola, where land ownership disputes are common. Undeveloped lands are especially vulnerable to grabbing, with encroachers often beginning construction to establish physical presence, thereby triggering protracted legal battles.
Stay updated on this developing story and more by following BenriNews on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
