A Kano-based legal practitioner, Bashir Yusuf Muhammad, Esq., has petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, over the collapse of an uncompleted three-storey building at Gaida Quarters, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State.
The petition, dated August 17, 2026, was submitted on behalf of Alhaji Surajo Yusuf, whose son, identified as Abdullah, reportedly died in the building collapse on August 15.
According to the petition, the incident claimed the lives of several people, including the client’s son, while other victims sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The lawyers, operating under Bashir Yusuf Tudunwazirchi & Associates and Yusuf Maigoro Chambers, alleged that residents and neighbours had earlier alerted the owner of the building, identified in the petition as Alhaji Ali Nagarta, to suspected structural defects and concerns over the way the construction was being undertaken.
The petition alleged that the owner had been cautioned about the danger posed by the defects and the possibility that the structure could collapse if urgent corrective measures were not taken.
The lawyers stated that despite the warnings, the owner allegedly “failed and neglected to take appropriate steps to remedy the situation or prevent access to the dangerous structure.”
They argued that the alleged failure to heed the warnings and take reasonable safety measures eventually contributed to the collapse, resulting in fatalities and serious injuries.
“It is our respectful submission that the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the building raise serious questions of criminal negligence, culpable homicide and causing grievous hurt, and require urgent and thorough investigation,” the petition stated.
The solicitors asked the Commissioner of Police to immediately commence a comprehensive probe into the circumstances that led to the collapse.
They also requested an investigation into the actions and responsibilities of Alhaji Ali Nagarta, particularly his role in the construction, supervision and maintenance of the structure.
The petition further called on the police to invite and question individuals who may possess relevant information about the building and the warnings reportedly given to its owner.
“Where the investigation establishes criminal liability, cause the appropriate criminal charges to be instituted against the responsible person(s) in accordance with the law,” the lawyers requested.
The petitioners expressed confidence that the police would handle the matter with the urgency required, given the reported loss of lives and the need to prevent similar building disasters.
They also urged the police to take immediate and appropriate action on the petition.
