A rent tribunal in Kaduna has ordered the Commandant of the State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Alhaji Modu Bunu, to stop harassing a tenant.

The tenant, Mr Victor Abubakar, had dragged the commandant to the tribunal over harassment, threat and denial of access to the property where he resides.

The tribunal, presided over by Mrs Nana Muhammad, after visiting the property, gave the order on Friday and also ordered Bunu to grant Abubakar access to the premises pending the determination of the case.

The property in disagreement is located at No. 38 A, Borno Road, Marafa Estate, Kaduna.

“We have seen the premises for ourselves and from all indication; the plaintiff does not reside in the property. I therefore order the defendant to stop harassing the plaintiff and grant him access to the house pending the determination of the case,” Mrs Mohammad said.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Mr Godwin Ochai, had earlier informed the tribunal that personnel of the NSCDC were stationed in the house, harassing and threatening his client.

“As you can see, there are two officers of the NSCDC in the property, they are not armed today probably because they were aware of your visit, but they are always armed, and harassing my client. For the avoidance of doubt, there is no one living in the property to warrant the presence of the NSCDC officials,” Ochai said.

Counsel to the defendant, Malam Maishanu Abubakar, however, insisted that at no point was the defendant ever threatened, harassed or denied access to the house.

Abubakar said the presence of the personnel in the property was due to the privilege the defendant enjoys as NSCDC commandant.

“We are ready to uphold the rule of law in all circumstances to see that the matter is resolved amicably,” he said.

The case has been adjourned till June 14 for continuation of hearing.

Ochai had earlier told the tribunal that his client was a tenant in the premises and that his tenancy expired in February. He, however, said that this was before the house was sold to the defendant.

Ochai explained that after purchasing the property, the defendant gave his client two months quit notice, which expired on April 28.

According to him, since then his client is being harassed and denied access to the house.

“At the expiration of the quit notice, the defendant stationed armed officers of the NSCDC at the premises, who threatened and harassed the plaintiff, and even killed his dog,” Ochai said.