Court Issues Restraining Order Against Two Estate Firms in Abuja Land Dispute
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has intervened in a land dispute, issuing a restraining order against two estate development companies—Paulo Homes Ltd and Titan Castles Nigeria Ltd. The order prevents the companies from trespassing on a piece of land in Lugbe West, Abuja, pending the resolution of the matter.
Justice A.S. Adepoju delivered the ruling on Thursday after hearing an ex-parte application filed by Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited. The application sought an interim injunction to stop the two firms from engaging in any activities on the land, specifically Plot No. 4, Cadastral Zone LO5, which measures approximately 70 hectares and 15 hectares, respectively, within Sector Centre and Cluster 5A.
Court Protects Property Amidst Land Dispute
In her ruling, Justice Adepoju restrained the two estate firms, their agents, employees, and any other parties acting on their behalf from carrying out any activities on the disputed land, such as clearing, setting up, digging, or construction, until the court hears and determines the motion for an interlocutory injunction.
The application, filed by Jonah Capital’s CEO, Kojo Mensah Ansah, argued that immediate court intervention was necessary to prevent the defendants from further encroaching on the land. According to Ansah’s affidavit, if the restraining order wasn’t granted, Paulo Homes and Titan Castles could proceed with selling portions of the land to the public, potentially rendering the court’s future decision irrelevant and irreversible.
Urgency in Protecting Property Rights
Ansah stressed that without the injunction, any actions taken by the two companies would permanently damage the subject matter of the suit. He warned that even if Jonah Capital won the case, it would be unable to recover the land or receive adequate compensation for any losses incurred if the property was sold or developed in the meantime.
Justice Adepoju granted the interim injunction, acknowledging the need to prevent any irreversible actions on the land before the full hearing. The matter has been adjourned to February 3 for further proceedings.
