Kano Cleric Arraigned Over Alleged Illegal Sale of Government, Community Lands

A prominent Islamic cleric in Kano, Sheikh Ibrahim Isa Makwarari, has been arraigned by the police over allegations of illegally selling government and community-owned lands in parts of the state.

Sheikh Makwarari, a well-known cleric in the Kano metropolis, was brought before Magistrate Court No. 53 in the Normansland area on Tuesday by the Kano State Police Command. Investigators allege that his actions breached existing land administration laws, describing the offence as a serious violation.

The case was presided over by Magistrate Mustapha Sa’ad Datti. During the proceedings, defence counsel told the court they were not ready to proceed, citing a related matter involving the cleric that is currently pending before a higher court in Kano State.

The prosecution, led by Barrister Nura, informed the court that the case was initially reported on 18 November 2025. He added that the police had earlier forwarded the case file to the Kano State Ministry of Justice for legal advice, to determine whether the matter should proceed to prosecution or be discontinued.

After listening to submissions from both sides, Magistrate Datti adjourned the case to Wednesday, 21 January 2026. The court is expected to formally read the charges on the adjourned date and consider the defendant’s bail application.

The arraignment comes amid renewed scrutiny of land transactions in Kano, where disputes over ownership and alleged illegal sales of public and communal lands have increasingly found their way into the courts.