The Borno State government has demolished a multi-million naira plaza owned by the family of Attom Magira, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and a vocal critic of Governor Babagana Zulum.
The building, situated on Sir Kashim Ibrahim Road, opposite the State low-cost housing estate in Maiduguri, was brought down during the week, according to SaharaReporters.
Magira, a former gubernatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 elections, has consistently opposed Governor Zulum’s policies.
The Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board (BOUPDB) had earlier, on January 24, 2025, issued a notice revoking Magira’s development permit. However, Magira’s legal team responded with documents and payment receipts, arguing that the building had only four floors — not five as claimed — and was fully approved, including its multi-purpose hall.
His lawyers further appealed the permit revocation under Section 52 of the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board Law, demanding a fair hearing, as guaranteed by Section 36 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Tensions between Magira and the state government escalated earlier in February when Governor Zulum ordered his arrest over a controversial billboard promoting a “YES TO MERGER” campaign — a call for merging political parties in Borno State. The billboard, featuring Magira’s image, was reportedly vandalized by unknown individuals.
Following his arrest, Magira was charged at the Borno State High Court, with the state government accusing him of false personation by using “HE ATTOM MUH’D MAGIRA” on the billboard and inciting public disturbance by promoting the merger campaign — offenses punishable under Sections 97 and 79 of the Borno State Penal Code Law, 2023.
The charges were filed by the state’s Attorney General, Hauwa Abubakar Isa, and other officials from the Ministry of Justice.
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