A legal battle over a prime piece of land in Abuja has escalated, with a lawsuit filed against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by a legal representative of Jona Brothers Construction Limited. The dispute centers on a plot of land located at Plot 680-689, Cadastral Zone, B06 Mabushi, Abuja, and involves Chief Michael Adeojo, chairman of Elizade Motors. Alexander Oketa, an Abuja-based lawyer, has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit on behalf of his clients, challenging the EFCC’s recent actions concerning the disputed land. This follows a petition submitted to the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, last week, requesting the agency to address alleged land grabbing activities by its personnel.
The ownership of the land has been a subject of contention, with multiple court rulings and a police investigation report affirming Jona Brothers’ ownership. However, the EFCC has intervened, asserting that the land belongs to Chief Adeojo. Last week, EFCC operatives sealed off the property, citing an ex parte order of interim forfeiture and threatening arrests.
In the lawsuit filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Oketa, representing Jona Brothers Construction Limited, Bullion Properties Limited, Oyenbueke Uche Vincent, and John Oyih, is seeking a court order to compel the EFCC to immediately unseal the property and grant his clients unrestricted access.
The suit also seeks a declaration that the EFCC’s actions, including the invasion and threats of arrest, are illegal, arbitrary, and unconstitutional. The legal team alleges that these actions violate the applicants’ fundamental rights to personal liberty, fair hearing, and property ownership, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. Named as respondents in the lawsuit are the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); and several EFCC officials. The suit demands N500 million in general damages from the respondents.
Oketa argues that the dispute is a straightforward land issue, and the EFCC’s attempt to transfer possession to Chief Adeojo contradicts multiple court judgments that have established Jona Brothers as the rightful owner. He cited several court rulings, including judgments from Justices Ibrahim Mohammed, S.U. Bature, Binta Mohamed, and Olajuwon, all of which favored Jona Brothers’ claim.
The lawyer contends that the EFCC acted unlawfully by obtaining an ex parte order without the approval of the Federal High Court’s enforcement unit. He asserts that the agency violated court sanctity and the applicants’ constitutional rights. The suit also requests a court order directing the Inspector-General of Police to provide necessary protection for the applicants to ensure their peaceful possession of the property.
