In a recent development that has drawn attention to the Nigerian judiciary system, authorities of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCDA) have been berated by a judge for disobeying a valid court order. The order had restrained the FCDA from demolishing a property owned by Praco International Ltd, a multi-billion Naira estate being developed by SNECOU Group and others in the Asokoro/Kugbo axis of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The criticism from the judge came in response to a lawsuit filed by Engr. Success Obioma, Praco International Ltd, Psalm 127 Ltd, and Peace Be Still Ltd against the FCT Administration. The defendants in the case include the FCT Minister, Federal Capital Development Authority, The Deed Registrar FCDA, Director Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Chairman Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, and the Director of Land Administration FCT, among others.
Justice Eleojor Enenche of the FCT High Court in Wuse had previously issued an interim injunction on March 22, 2024, restraining the defendants from demolishing or destroying the claimants' developments on various plots until the determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction. Despite the order being in effect, the FCDA officials demolished the property on Wednesday, prompting the developer to approach the court on Thursday.
The order stated thus:
"An order of interim injunction of this Honourable Court is made restraining the defendants/respondents from taking any step, action or decision adverse to the beneficial interest of the claimants on the affected property, pending the determination of Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction".
Responding to the developer's application to extend the interim order, Justice Hamza Muazu expressed dismay at the defendants' actions while the matter was pending in court. The judge compelled the FCT Authorities to provide a written undertaking, through their lawyers, that they would not take any action that would render a fait accompli on the court. He warned them to stay away from the property until the final determination of the substantive suit.
Speaking on the matter, the Managing Director/Project Manager of Praco International Ltd, Dr. Chukwudubem Ezekwelu, voiced his concern about the flagrant disobedience of court orders by some government agencies. He called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and put a stop to the lawlessness and impunity, protecting the integrity of the judiciary and the investments of patriotic Nigerians.
Ezekwelu also appealed to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to reconsider the decision to demolish the multi-billion Naira estate, emphasizing that the real estate sector is an essential source of internally generated revenue and has the potential to boost the country's economy.
The ongoing case highlights the need for the government and its agencies to respect court orders and uphold the rule of law. It underscores the importance of protecting investments and promoting a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
By obeying court orders and ensuring the fair and just resolution of disputes, the Nigerian government can restore confidence in the judiciary and encourage both local and foreign investments in the country.
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