By Sule Aliyu, Bauchi

The Bauchi State High Court has stepped in to protect residents of the 270-unit National Housing Programme (NHP) estate, halting their eviction by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Justice Mu’azu Abubakar of Court 5 issued an interim injunction restraining the Air Force and other respondents from forcefully taking over the estate pending the determination of a substantive motion.

The case was brought before the court by Barrister Alkassim Muhammad, representing 189 plaintiffs who insisted the housing scheme was originally designed for low-income Nigerians, not military personnel. The plaintiffs argued that handing the property to NAF was unjust, especially since the Force already operates its own housing projects.

Justice Abubakar ordered all parties to maintain status quo, warning against threats, harassment, or any attempt to undermine residents’ constitutional rights. The case has been adjourned to September 11, 2025.

The development followed last week’s tension when the Federal Ministry of Housing formally handed over the estate to NAF, sparking protests from occupants who appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu and Bauchi Governor Bala Muhammad for intervention.