JALINGO, Nigeria — Allegations surrounding a land dispute have prompted Justice Ali Bappa of the Taraba State High Court to defend himself and his family against claims made by businessman and politician Alhaji Umaru Garba Alahsule. In a statement issued to the press in Jalingo, Justice Bappa firmly denied any involvement in the matter, clarifying that he has not engaged in any personal dispute with Alahsule nor participated in an alleged violent attack.
Justice Bappa emphasized his position as a judge, stating, “I am aware of the law and the appropriate channels for resolving disputes.” He pointed out that while his family possesses land in the vicinity, he has never condoned any actions that would result in property damage or harm to others.
The allegations arose earlier this week when Alahsule claimed that Justice Bappa and his family were attempting to unlawfully seize his property located along a major thoroughfare in Jalingo. The businessman described a troubling episode involving a relative of the judge, Zaran Bappa, who is accused of assaulting him and his associates at a location near the People’s Democratic Party Secretariat.
According to Alahsule, the altercation left his vehicle damaged and included menacing threats aimed at his safety should he return to the disputed land. He further accused Zaran Bappa of vandalizing his property by demolishing a perimeter fence and declaring the area as belonging to the “Alhajuj Bapa Family.”
To substantiate his claims, Alahsule shared documents, including fencing permits and land registration, asserting his legal claim to the property he has diligently developed over seven years. He expressed frustration over the aggressive attempts to claim what he has rightfully built, stating, “I have followed all legal protocols with the Urban Planning authority, only to face these violent challenges.”
In light of apparent threats to his life and property, Alahsule has appealed to both state and federal authorities, as well as security services, urging them to take action in the escalating dispute. His plea highlights a broader concern regarding safety amidst ongoing disputes in the region.
The Taraba State Police Command has taken notice of the situation. Lashen James, the acting Public Relations Officer, confirmed that investigators are looking into the allegations, signaling a potential escalation in law enforcement involvement in the matter.
As the situation unfolds, it underscores the complexities of land ownership disputes in the region, where personal grievances can rapidly escalate into more significant confrontations, raising questions about legal recourse and community safety.