Taraba High Court judge denies land-grabbing allegations, vows legal redress

Justice Ali Bappa of the Taraba State High Court has categorically denied allegations implicating him and his family in a land-grabbing scheme and violent assault against a Jalingo-based businessman and politician, Alhaji Umaru Garba Alahsule.

Speaking to journalists in Jalingo, the state capital, Justice Bappa described the claims as baseless and unfounded, asserting that he has never engaged in any land dispute with Alahsule nor authorized any form of violence.

“I have no personal land where the man is raising issues. We do have family land in the area, but I have never authorized anyone to destroy property or harm anyone over land. I am a judge—I know the lawful way to handle disputes, not through violence,” Bappa stated.

His remarks come in response to accusations made earlier in the week by Alahsule, who alleged that Justice Bappa and his family were attempting to forcibly take over his land near the Taraba State Deputy Governor’s office, along the Jaka-Daferi to Specialist Hospital road.

Alahsule told reporters that a relative of the judge, identified as Zaran Bappa, led an attack on him and his aides at his office near the PDP Secretariat on Barde Way. He claimed the attack damaged his vehicle and included threats to his life should he attempt to reclaim the land.

According to Alahsule, following the assault, Zaran Bappa moved to the contested site, demolished a perimeter fence, and marked the property with the inscription, “Alhajuj Bapa Family Land.”

Alahsule presented documents to journalists, including fencing permits and land registration papers, asserting his legal ownership and detailing a seven-year investment in developing the land.

“I have done all the proper registration with the Urban Planning authority. After years of investment, I am now facing violent attempts to take what I have lawfully built,” he said, calling on state and federal authorities, as well as security agencies, to intervene.

When contacted, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Police Command, Lashen James, confirmed that an investigation into the matter is ongoing.

The case continues to draw public attention as both parties stand firm in their claims.

Taraba High Court judge denies land-grabbing allegations, vows legal redress