The Abuja High Court has issued an interim injunction restraining the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and other respondents from selling or interfering with a disputed property located at Plot No. 4411, Cadastral Zone A09, Guzape District, Abuja.
Injunction Issued After Legal Motion
Justice Mohammed Zubairu granted the injunction on Monday after hearing an ex-parte motion filed by Nextdora Nigeria Limited, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Reuben Atabo. The motion, marked M/16807/2024, sought to protect the property from being sold or reassigned until the court hears the substantive matter.
A certified true copy of the ruling was made available to journalists on Tuesday. In his decision, Justice Zubairu emphasized the need to maintain justice and ensure a fair hearing for all parties involved.
“The interim order of injunction is to last for a few days, pending when all parties are served and appear before this court for the hearing of the motion on notice,” the judge ruled.
Court Orders Status Quo to Be Maintained
The injunction restrains the FCT Minister, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), and other defendants from taking any actions that could interfere with the claimant’s possession of the property.
“An order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining the defendants/respondents, whether by themselves or agents, privies, servants, workmen, or any person howsoever called acting on their behalf, from trespassing into and interfering with the claimant’s exclusive possession of the property,” Justice Zubairu stated.
The court further granted additional prayers by the applicant, including directives to halt any development or reassignment of the land.
Legal Action and Ownership Dispute
Nextdora Nigeria Limited, the applicant in the case, claims ownership of the property based on a Right of Occupancy with File No. MISC 128232. The company has asked the court to affirm its status as the legitimate titleholder and to bar the defendants from selling, transferring, or developing the land.
The defendants in the case include the FCT Minister, the FCDA, and two individuals, Eric Anyamene Nnamdi and Bilikisu Mallam.
The suit, which includes a writ of summons filed on December 16, seeks seven reliefs in total, including the preservation of the property’s title and protection against third-party interference.
Next Steps in the Legal Battle
The court has adjourned the matter to December 30, 2024, for the hearing of the substantive suit. Justice Zubairu also directed that the motion on notice be served to all defendants to enable their appearance and participation in the proceedings.
Until the hearing of the motion on notice and subsequent rulings, the interim injunction will remain in place, ensuring that the property’s status quo is preserved.
