Tsangaya association seeks Bauchi govt recognition after court rulings
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Chairman of the Association of Masu Karatun Allo na Tsangaya in Bauchi State, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, has called on the state government to recognise what he described as the genuine association, alleging that authorities are supporting an illegitimate group using the organisation’s registered name and trademark.
Abdullahi made the call while addressing journalists in Bauchi, expressing concern that the government had continued to relate with another group despite court rulings affirming the legitimacy of his association.
According to him, the association has existed for more than 20 years and has millions of members across the state and beyond, working to promote the welfare and education of Almajiri pupils studying under the Tsangaya system.
He alleged that a rival group had been using the association’s registered name, logo and other distinctive features without authorisation, a situation that led to a legal dispute.
Abdullahi said the matter was taken to the Federal High Court in Bauchi, which ruled in favour of his association.
“The court declared that the use of the registered name, trademark and logo of the association by the defendants constituted an infringement on our rights,” he said.
He explained that the court also issued a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their representatives or agents from further using the association’s registered name and trademark.
In addition, the court awarded N500,000 as damages against the defendants for the infringement and granted N100,000 as legal costs in favour of the plaintiffs.
He further disclosed that the defendants later appealed the judgment at the Court of Appeal sitting in Jos, Plateau State.
However, Abdullahi said the appeal was dismissed after the appellants failed to file their brief of argument.
According to him, the appellate court also struck out a motion filed by the appellants after it was abandoned.
Despite the legal victories, the chairman appealed to the Bauchi State Government to intervene and help resolve the dispute.
“We are all under the same government, and we believe the authorities can look into the matter and bring the two sides together to work as one,” he said.
Abdullahi stressed that reconciliation and proper recognition of the legitimate association would help end the lingering crisis and strengthen efforts aimed at supporting Tsangaya education in the state.
