Lawyers representing four landowners in Wukari, Taraba State, have called on the state government to promptly settle an outstanding judgment debt of ₦80 million relating to land acquired for the establishment of the Federal University, Wukari.

In a letter dated September 26, 2025, addressed to Governor Agbu Kefas, lead counsel Barrister P.M. Shagnah urged the administration to honour the court-approved settlement agreement in Suit No: TRS/6/2014. The case involved Danladi Joel Boushe and three others as plaintiffs against the Taraba State government and four others.

Shagnah explained that the matter had been resolved amicably through a “Terms of Settlement” agreement signed by both parties and endorsed by the then Attorney-General of the state, Yakubu Maikasuwa (SAN).

The total judgment sum was ₦205 million after the plaintiffs voluntarily waived ₦50.2 million as a goodwill gesture. The agreement required the state government to pay the balance in seven equal installments of ₦29.29 million each, beginning in December 2023 and ending in June 2024.

So far, however, only ₦125 million has been paid, leaving a balance of ₦80 million.

“The government’s failure to complete the payment constitutes a breach of the court-approved settlement and undermines the spirit of the agreement,” Shagnah said.

He added that the landowners, who made sacrifices to pave the way for the university’s establishment, had endured financial hardship since 2011 while awaiting full compensation.

Appealing to Governor Kefas’s sense of responsibility, the legal team described him as a “responsive and responsible leader” and urged him to ensure the immediate release of the outstanding funds.

According to the lawyers, the payment would bring “huge relief” to the affected families and reaffirm the government’s commitment to fairness and justice.