The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has issued a fresh bench warrant for the arrest of a police officer, Edith Erhunwunse, over her continued absence from proceedings in an alleged N300 million unlawful eviction and property damage case.

Justice Samira Bature made the order in suit number FCT/HC/CR/222/2023 following an application by the prosecution, led by Aderonke Imana.

Erhunwunse is standing trial alongside property developer Cecil Osakwe and Abuja-based lawyer Victor Giwa on a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful eviction and malicious damage.

The Federal Government alleged that the defendants unlawfully evicted one Asabe Waziri from her residence on Mekong Street, Maitama, Abuja, in 2022 and carted away valuables worth N300 million.

According to the charge, the defendants allegedly conspired to gain unlawful access to the property without the complainant’s consent and with the assistance of police officers said to be at large.

The prosecution further claimed that cash, an international passport and other valuables were removed from the residence and taken to an unknown destination.

At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel informed the court that despite an earlier bench warrant and communications to the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, the third defendant had failed to appear before the court.

Imana told the court that the defendant allegedly ignored directives from the Inspector-General of Police and had remained absent for over a year, while other defendants continued to attend proceedings.

Citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, the prosecution urged the court to issue another warrant for her arrest.

Ruling on the application, Justice Bature expressed concern over the lack of progress in securing the defendant’s appearance and noted that the approaching court vacation could further delay the matter.

“The court hereby issues a bench warrant to all law enforcement agencies for the arrest of the third defendant, wherever she may be found, for showing disobedience and disrespect to this court,” the judge ruled.

The court also encouraged parties to continue exploring an out-of-court settlement and directed them to report the outcome at the next hearing.

The matter was subsequently adjourned until September 29, 2026, for continuation of trial, with the court warning that no further excuses for non-appearance would be entertained.

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Justice of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has issued a final directive to the (EFCC) to produce its witness against former Central Bank governor by the next adjourned date or face closure of the case.

The court imposed a fine of N500,000 on EFCC for failing to produce Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Elohor Edwin Okpoziakeo, a key investigator in the alleged procurement fraud case, citing repeated delays despite an accelerated trial order.

Case details and charges

Emefiele is facing a 20-count charge brought by EFCC on behalf of the Federal Government, including allegations of criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and obtaining money by false pretence. He allegedly secured $6.23 million intended for international election observers during the 2023 general election and conferred corrupt advantages on two companies—April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

Court stance on adjournments

EFCC had sought another adjournment, citing administrative procedures preventing the witness from attending. The defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, opposed this, stating that the agency had already been granted eight adjournments—three more than the maximum allowed under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

Justice Muazu acknowledged the discretion courts have to grant adjournments in the interest of justice but emphasized the need for accountability and penalized EFCC for unnecessary delays.

Next steps

The court adjourned the trial to April 27 and 28 for continuation, emphasizing that the witness must be present, failing which the court may take further action in line with the law.

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A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory has fined the (EFCC) N500,000 for repeatedly seeking adjournments in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank governor, .

Justice of the FCT High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja, imposed the fine on Tuesday after the anti-graft agency requested another adjournment due to the absence of its witness.

The judge, however, granted what he described as a final adjournment to allow the prosecution present its witness in court.

Emefiele faces multiple charges

Emefiele is being prosecuted on a 20-count charge bordering on alleged procurement fraud, criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and obtaining money under false pretence.

He is accused of allegedly securing over $6.2 million meant for international election observers during the 2023 general elections, among other offences.

Defence opposes further adjournment

Counsel to the former CBN governor strongly opposed the application, arguing that the law limits the number of adjournments allowed in criminal trials.

The defence maintained that the prosecution had already exceeded the permitted number of adjournments and failed to adequately prepare its witness over a prolonged period.

Court cites interest of justice

In his ruling, Justice Muazu acknowledged the legal limits on adjournments but stated that the court retains discretion to grant one if it serves the interest of justice.

However, he sanctioned the EFCC for delaying proceedings despite earlier approval for accelerated hearing.

Next hearing date fixed

The court subsequently adjourned the case to April 27 and 28 for continuation of trial proceedings.

EFCC news, Godwin Emefiele trial, court fine Nigeria, procurement fraud case, FCT High Court, anti-corruption Nigeria, legal news Nigeria

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A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Friday granted bail in the sum of N10 million each to Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, and his co-defendant, Ponfa Useni, following their arraignment on a 12-count criminal charge bordering on alleged forgery.

The charges were filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, accusing the defendants of forging documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, allegedly used to lay claim to a London property said to have been unlawfully procured by the late Jeremiah Useni.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Bail Conditions

In a brief ruling, Justice Chizoba Oji admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N10 million each with one surety each. The sureties, the court ruled, must own property within the Federal Capital Territory.

The judge further ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports with the court as part of the bail conditions.

Justice Oji noted that since the proceedings were conducted on a Friday, the defendants would be allowed to return home if unable to perfect their bail conditions immediately. However, she directed them to report back to court on Monday to complete the process.

She warned that failure to perfect the bail conditions by the stipulated date would result in their remand in a correctional facility.

Prosecution and Defence Positions

The prosecution was led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Oyedepo, who did not oppose the bail applications moved on behalf of the defendants.

Ozekhome’s bail application was presented by Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), while Ponfa Useni was represented by F.R. Onoja (SAN). Both defence counsels urged the court to grant their clients bail on liberal terms, arguing that the defendants were reputable individuals who would not interfere with the course of justice.

The absence of opposition from the prosecution streamlined the bail proceedings, allowing the court to issue its ruling shortly after arguments were heard.

Allegations in the Charge

According to the charge sheet, the defendants are accused of forging key legal documents purportedly used in asserting ownership claims over a property located in London.

The prosecution alleges that the documents — including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney — were falsified to facilitate the claim over the said property.

The property in dispute was reportedly linked to the late Jeremiah Useni, although further details of the alleged unlawful procurement were not fully disclosed during Friday’s proceedings.

Legal analysts note that forgery-related offences, particularly those involving international assets and official documents, carry serious criminal implications under Nigerian law if proven.

Legal Implications

The case adds to ongoing high-profile legal proceedings involving senior members of the Nigerian legal community. As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ozekhome holds one of the highest legal ranks in the country, a designation reserved for distinguished legal practitioners.

The court’s decision to grant bail reflects established judicial principles that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Bail is typically granted unless there is a compelling reason to deny it, such as risk of flight or interference with witnesses.

By ordering the surrender of international passports and requiring property-owning sureties within the FCT, the court imposed conditions aimed at ensuring the defendants’ availability for trial.

Next Steps

The matter is expected to proceed with further hearings after the defendants perfect their bail conditions. The court is likely to set a trial date during subsequent proceedings.

Legal observers say the case could hinge on documentary evidence and expert testimony regarding the authenticity of the disputed documents.

As of the time of filing this report, additional details of the prosecution’s evidence and witness list had not been made public.

The court’s directive requiring the defendants to report back on Monday underscores the urgency attached to compliance with bail conditions.

Further developments are expected as the trial unfolds.

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A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued interim orders restraining the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, from interfering with a disputed parcel of land in Maitama District, Abuja, claimed by Nanet Hotels Limited.

The order followed a suit filed by Nanet Hotels and marked FCT/HC/CV/5274/2025, which is currently pending before the FCT High Court.

In a public notice dated January 20, 2026, Nanet Hotels warned investors, developers, and relevant government agencies to desist from any dealings on the property identified as Park No. 2008, Cadastral Zone A06, Maitama District, measuring approximately 1.96 hectares.

The notice, issued through the company’s solicitors and signed by Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, and Segun Fiki, stated that the court had already granted interim injunctive reliefs restraining the defendants from interfering with the claimant’s possession and occupation of the land.

According to the solicitors, the interim injunction was granted on December 22, 2025, pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice.

They stressed that, while the matter remains before the court, no person, institution, or authority has the legal right to allocate, sell, transfer, or otherwise transact on the disputed land or any property connected to it.

The lawyers further cautioned members of the public against entering into any transaction relating to the land, warning that such actions could expose investors to lengthy and expensive legal disputes with serious financial implications.

Court documents show that the presiding judge, Justice Bello Kawu, also restrained the defendants from enforcing or acting on a purported revocation notice contained in a letter dated July 7, 2025, which was reportedly received on September 24, 2025.

The court barred the FCTA, the FCT Minister, and other defendants from ejecting, harassing, intimidating, sealing, demolishing, relocating, or otherwise disturbing Nanet Hotels’ possession of the property.

In addition, the court directed the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force to refrain from enforcing the alleged revocation or aiding any form of eviction or disturbance pending the determination of the motion on notice.

Justice Kawu further ordered all parties to maintain the status quo as at the date the suit was instituted.

Nanet Hotels maintained that it remains lawfully entitled to the land under a Deed of Sub-Lease dated July 9, 2007, which grants it possession of the property until 2037, unless lawfully terminated in accordance with the agreement and applicable laws.

The company said it is prepared to pursue the case to the Supreme Court, if necessary, as part of efforts to curb land grabbing and the unlawful conversion of designated parks and green areas in the Federal Capital Territory.

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A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Bwari, Abuja, has ordered the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and AIBEN Properties Ltd to maintain the status quo on a disputed parcel of land located at 5th Avenue, 52 Road, Gwarinpa II Estate, Abuja.

The interim order was issued by Justice M. A. Madugu following an ex parte application filed by Tulwu Integrated Properties Ltd, which claims lawful ownership of the property.

Court Issues Interim Restraining Order

In a ruling delivered on January 6, the court restrained the defendants from further encroachment on the land pending the determination of a motion on notice.

Justice Madugu directed all parties involved to refrain from taking any action that could alter the condition of the disputed property until the substantive matter is heard.

According to the court, the order followed a careful review of the motion, supporting affidavit, exhibits, and written address filed by the claimant’s counsel, Abdul-Aziz E. Ibrahim (SAN).

The matter was subsequently adjourned to January 21 for hearing of the motion on notice.

Allegations of Encroachment and Demolition

Tulwu Integrated Properties Ltd told the court that the dispute began when AIBEN Properties, allegedly backed by FHA officials, encroached on the land and carved out about 6,000 square metres from the property.

The company said it had earlier obtained a restraining order from the FCT High Court on July 1, 2025, following the alleged demolition of parts of its perimeter fence.

Despite the subsisting court order, Tulwu alleged that armed police officers, accompanied by FHA officials, returned to the site on December 15, 2025, and carried out another demolition exercise.

The firm further alleged that its pregnant managing director was assaulted during the incident.

Further Claims Against Developer

According to the claimant, construction equipment was later moved onto the land at night, and excavation commenced, prompting the company to seek additional court protection.

Tulwu said the dispute centres on the actual size of the land allocation, with conflicting claims between the parties.

While the FHA reportedly insists that the original allocation was 16,000 square metres, the company said official survey records show the land measures over 22,000 square metres.

History of Land Allocation

Tulwu Integrated Properties Ltd explained that the land was initially allocated by the FHA to Savannah Suites and Restaurant Ltd and later assigned to it through a consent letter dated March 13, 2013.

It added that the original allocation letter stated the land size was subject to survey, which later confirmed a larger area.

The company said a change-of-use approval issued by the FHA in July 2023 officially recognised the land size as 22,017.233 square metres.

According to Tulwu, all FHA correspondence, billings, and receipts since 2013 reflected the revised land size.

Development Approval Dispute

The firm also disclosed that it applied for development approval in May 2025 and received clearance after submitting architectural and engineering designs.

However, it alleged that the FHA failed to issue the required bill necessary to commence development, despite granting preliminary approvals.

What Happens Next

The court’s latest order effectively freezes all activity on the disputed Gwarinpa property until the next hearing date.

Legal observers say the case could have wider implications for land administration and property rights enforcement in the Federal Capital Territory.

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The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has fixed November 13, 2025, to hear the ongoing dispute over the Apo Resettlement Market Scheme. The case was postponed after the presiding judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu, was absent due to official engagements.

The dispute involves AMAC Investment and Development Company and two others as claimants, and Dr. Shuaibu Musari with Techs and Concretes Nigeria Limited as defendants. The defendants are asking the court to impose ₦850 million in punitive damages for alleged disobedience of an injunction that stopped construction on the site.

Despite the April 15, 2025, court order, the defendants claim the project continued in violation of the directive. They have also requested that security agencies seal the property or demolish structures built against the injunction.

The case concerns a joint venture agreement for the development of Plot 1729, Apo District. Justice Halilu had earlier ruled that Techs and Concretes had a valid legal interest in the project and granted the injunction to preserve the status quo.

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, sitting in Jikwoyi-Kurudu, is set to hear a landmark application on Monday, October 6, seeking a judicial review of the proceedings, report, and recommendations of the Ministerial Committee appointed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The committee’s work centers on the ongoing and highly contentious dispute involving River Park Estate in Lugbe, Abuja.

Justice Mohammed Zubairu had, on September 17, 2025, scheduled the hearing following the filing of an ex parte application on behalf of the applicants Paulo Homes Nigeria Ltd and Houses for Africa Nigeria Ltd. The application was presented by senior counsel Anthony Malik (SAN), along with Homa Ihunwo and Edward Ajaba.

The respondents named in the motion (M/11417/2025) include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

In a significant ruling delivered on September 17, Justice Zubairu granted leave for judicial review via certiorari after examining the affidavits and legal submissions. “I have found substantial compliance with the law and rules of this court,” the judge remarked. “Accordingly, the application is granted as prayed.”

The court’s order further provided that the leave granted would automatically operate as a stay of proceedings and any further action related to the matter, pending the substantive hearing. This aligns with Order 43 Rule 3(6)(a) of the Rules of the Court 2025.

The applicants’ case is grounded in an eight-paragraph affidavit sworn by Zainab Suleiman, which sought to quash the Ministerial Committee’s proceedings and recommendations on River Park Estate, specifically, the property located at Plot 4, Cadastral Zone E30, Lugbe, Abuja.

The applicants also demand that the respondents be compelled to produce before the court the full proceedings, report, and recommendations of the Ministerial Committee, which were submitted to the Minister of the FCT on September 2, 2025.

In a move to forestall any potential enforcement, the applicants additionally seek an interim injunction restraining the respondents, their officers, or agents from implementing or giving effect to the committee’s report or recommendations. This injunction will remain in place pending the full hearing and determination of the interlocutory motion.

This legal battle underscores the complexities surrounding land and estate disputes in the Federal Capital Territory, with significant implications for property developers and residents in the burgeoning River Park Estate community.

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BY IFEANYI ONUBA

A widow and her children are seeking justice at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja over their 2,500-square-metre family plot, which available information reveals was legitimately allocated to the family’s late patriarch, Mr Ayomide Fasan.

At the heart of the tussle is the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Olayide Owolabi Aderemi, who is laying claim to the same plot of land in Kaura District, Abuja, which the Fasan family insists was secured by their late patriarch as far back as the year 2000.

Documents obtained by THE WHISTLER showed that the land with Statutory Right of Occupancy No. FCT/ABU/OD.700, located at Plot 900, Kaura (B11) District, FCT, measuring 2,500 square metres, was originally allocated to the Fasan family on February 2, 2000.

Trouble started in 2004 when the original papers were stolen from the husband of the widow. The development prompted the family to file an “affidavit of loss” and also made newspaper publications for re-certification.

It was gathered that subsequently, the widow’s husband made an application to AGIS for re-certification of rights of occupancy dated December 13, 2004.

Application for Certified True Copies of the original documents was also made through the law firm of C.E. Manag and Co. on April 29th, 2005.

But since the filing of the application by the family, nothing was heard from AGIS, a development that made the law firm of C.E. Manag and Co.write a reminder letter dated August 21, 2006.

Following the reminder letter by the law firm, findings revealed that the Director of Lands in AGIS subsequently conveyed an approval to the application through a letter dated September 22, 2008.

However, further findings showed that due to administrative delays and bottlenecks at AGIS, the process of re-certification was not completed before the demise of the widow’s husband in 2011.

With the death of the widow’s husband, the records show that the family again made another push for recertification of the allocation of the land through another letter referenced OAK/DLA/KRA/015 dated October 6, 2022.

But surprisingly, during a follow-up of that letter for re-certification, the family was informed that the re-certification process had since been concluded and a Certificate of Occupancy had been conveyed.

“This was greatly shocking and dismaying to us because there is no evidence within our records that they ever received any such communication.

“The process of collection of a sensitive document such as a C-of-O, even when it was done by proxy, ought to have required a letter of authority from the original owner and a valid means of identification and face capture to be tendered.

But to our amazement, there was no record of compliance with such a mandatory procedure,” a source at the lands department who preferred not to be named said.

Upon the discovery, the family further undertook a routine physical visit to the land and then discovered that it had suddenly been fenced completely. A cement brick-making facility was also being operated on the property.

It was further gathered that this prompted the Fasan family to visit AGIS to conduct a preliminary search on the status of the land.

But to their further shock, they discovered another record in the file, in favour of a strange third party.

The search revealed that another file over the same plot was created sometime on the 25th of August, 2000, with file number OD 10089.

Based on this development, the family again wrote to the FCT Administration via a letter with reference OAK/DLA/KRA/016 and dated 17th July, 2023, and requested the placement of an administrative caveat over the land, which was promptly approved and implemented.

But despite the caveat placed on the land, the family alleged that those acting under the instructions of the Ondo State Deputy Governor proceeded with the “illegal construction”, thus undermining constituted authorities.

The Deputy Governor’s legal team is alleged to be relying heavily on constitutional immunity, a shield that protects him from prosecution while in office.

But beyond the legal crossfire, however, lies the personal anguish of a widow and her children. With every block laid on the contested site, a source told THE WHISTLER that they are reminded of a father’s dream being buried under bricks of injustice.

“This is not just about land; it is about dignity, memory, and the rights of ordinary Nigerians who must be protected from political predators,” the source said.

In his defence, the Deputy Governor, through his lawyers from Idi Danabubakar and Co., stated in a notice of preliminary objection submitted at the FCT High Court that the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter.

The lawyers argued that the defendant is currently the Deputy Governor of Ondo State and, as such, by virtue of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), enjoys immunity from the trial initiated by the family under the suit.

“The first defendant (Olayide Owolabi Adelami), immediately after his tenure as Deputy Governor of Ondo State, can then be subjected to the trial under the suit at hand,” the lawyers said in a court document sighted by THE WHISTLER.

Source: THE WHISTLER.

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The decision follows an application by Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited, seeking interim relief to halt any activity on Plot No 4, Cadastral Zone LO5, Lugbe West, Abuja, pending the resolution of the dispute.

Justice A.S. Adepoju, who presided over the matter, granted the injunction to prevent the two companies and other parties from trespassing or undertaking any development on the property, which spans approximately 70 and 15 hectares respectively.

The order specifically restrains the defendants, their agents, employees, or any other individuals acting on their behalf, from activities such as clearing, digging, or erecting structures on the site.

Jonah Capital’s CEO, Kojo Mensah Ansah, supported the application with an affidavit warning that failure to issue the order could result in irreversible harm. He argued that the defendants might dispose of the property to unsuspecting buyers, thereby complicating the court’s ability to provide justice.

“If this application is not granted, and the defendants proceed with their actions, the claimant stands to suffer irreparable loss that cannot be compensated by damages,” the affidavit stated. The court was also urged to intervene to prevent the defendants from rendering the eventual judgment ineffective.

The case, which underscores the rising tension over land disputes in the capital city, has been adjourned until February 3 for further proceedings.

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