The Delta State High Court has dismissed a preliminary objection filed by members of the Okonjo family in an alleged land-grabbing dispute, allowing the substantive case to proceed. The ruling marks a significant development in the long-running disagreement over land ownership and property rights in the state.

The case centres on allegations of unlawful acquisition and ownership claims over disputed parcels of land. The defendants had challenged the court’s jurisdiction and sought to halt proceedings through a preliminary objection. However, the court ruled that the matter should proceed to a full hearing to determine the merits of the claims and counterclaims presented by the parties.

Legal experts note that disputes over land ownership remain a major challenge in several parts of Nigeria, often leading to prolonged litigation, community tensions, and uncertainty over property rights. They argue that effective land administration systems and timely judicial interventions are essential to resolving such conflicts and promoting investor confidence in the real estate sector.

Stakeholders have also called for improved land documentation, digital record systems, and stronger dispute resolution mechanisms to reduce cases of conflicting ownership claims and alleged land grabbing. They maintain that secure property rights are critical to economic development and sustainable urban planning.

The court’s decision means the parties will now proceed to substantive hearings where evidence and arguments relating to the disputed land will be examined before a final determination is made.

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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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