The Plateau State Government has taken legal action against Yusuf Gagdi, the House of Representatives member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency. The lawsuit stems from Gagdi’s alleged re-award of a road construction project that was initially awarded by the state government.
The case, marked PLD/P5/2025, was officially filed by the Plateau State Attorney-General, P.A. Daffi, at the Plateau State High Court in Pankshin. The state government argues that Gagdi’s decision to re-award the contract for the construction of the 33km Gunji-Shiwer-Dokpai Road, which also includes a spur to Tiplik, is unlawful and unconstitutional.
According to court documents, the Plateau State Government asserts that the road project was originally awarded in 2008 to Hajaig Nigeria Limited and that the contract remains legally binding. They claim that Gagdi does not have the constitutional or legal authority to re-award a state government contract as part of his constituency projects. As a result, the government has asked the court to intervene by issuing the following orders:
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A declaration affirming that the 2008 contract awarded to Hajaig Nigeria Limited is still valid and remains legally binding.
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A perpetual injunction restraining Yusuf Gagdi and Orion Acres Ltd (the construction company engaged by Gagdi) from carrying out any further work on the disputed road project.
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An award of ₦100 million in damages to the state government for what they describe as unlawful interference with an existing and active government contract.
During the court proceedings on Wednesday, the state's counsel, P.A. Daffi, made an application for an interlocutory injunction, seeking an immediate halt to construction activities on the road while the case is being decided. However, Gagdi’s legal representative, Johnson Usman (SAN), strongly opposed the motion. He argued that the defense still had adequate time to file their response to both the motion for injunction and the originating summons, which formally initiated the lawsuit.
Following arguments from both legal teams, Justice Charles Donglong ruled in favor of the defense, granting them additional time to submit their responses before any decision is made regarding the injunction.
As a result, the case has been adjourned to February 27, when the court is expected to hear arguments on both the interlocutory injunction and the substantive lawsuit. The upcoming hearing will determine whether Gagdi and Orion Acres Ltd will be legally compelled to cease construction pending the final resolution of the case.
The legal battle has sparked widespread debate in Plateau State, with some residents expressing support for Gagdi’s initiative, while others argue that adherence to due process and legal contracts must be upheld. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent regarding the extent of a lawmaker’s power to execute projects outside their direct legislative duties, especially when existing contracts are involved.