A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to appear before it over allegations of trespassing on a disputed property in the Asokoro area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The court issued the summons following a motion filed by ABB Electrical Systems Limited and Chief Ambassador Yohana Y.D. Margif, who claim ownership of the land. The disputed property, located at Plot 4254, Cadastral Zone A04, covers approximately 1.67 hectares.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, who presided over the matter, also directed former Senator representing the FCT, Philip Aduda, and five other co-defendants to appear and explain why they should not be restrained from accessing the property.
Court Orders Defendants to Show Cause
The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Abniyilo Na’allah, had approached the court seeking an interim injunction to prevent the defendants from “trespassing, altering, or modifying” the property. However, Justice Ekwo ruled that the request could not be granted without first hearing from the defendants.
“I hereby make an order that the plaintiffs should put the defendants on notice within seven days of this order, and the defendants shall show cause why the prayers sought should not be granted,” Justice Ekwo ruled.
The court also granted an order allowing the plaintiffs to serve the defendants through substituted means, as their specific addresses were unknown. The service is to be effected via publications in two national newspapers.
Plaintiffs Claim Legal Ownership of the Land
ABB Electrical Systems Limited and Chief Margif, the plaintiffs in the suit, argue that they are the rightful owners of the land, having been granted a Statutory Right of Occupancy by the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA) since May 23, 2006.
According to the affidavit filed by Chief Margif, the company had been in “quiet and peaceful possession” of the land without any interference until recent developments.
He alleged that Senator Obasanjo, along with other defendants, had made “imminent threats” to take over the land by force.
“The plaintiffs have been lawfully occupying the land, and any attempt by the defendants to take possession will not only violate our rights but also cause irreparable damage,” Margif stated in court filings.
The plaintiffs claim they intend to develop the land in compliance with FCT regulations and fear that the defendants’ alleged activities could jeopardize their investment.
What’s at Stake?
The property in question is in Asokoro, one of Abuja’s most upscale districts, often referred to as the “Beverly Hills” of Nigeria’s capital. Land disputes in the area have become increasingly common due to the high value of real estate, making it a battleground for legal battles over ownership claims.
Observers note that the involvement of high-profile figures like Senator Iyabo Obasanjo and former FCT Senator Philip Aduda adds significant public interest to the case.
Iyabo Obasanjo, a former senator who represented Ogun Central from 2007 to 2011, is the eldest daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Known for her outspokenness, she has largely stayed out of political controversies in recent years but now finds herself at the center of this legal dispute.
Philip Aduda, another key figure in the case, was the senator representing the FCT from 2011 to 2023. He was a prominent figure in Abuja politics and played a role in land administration issues during his tenure.
Next Steps in the Legal Battle
With the court ordering all defendants to appear on March 6, legal experts suggest that the hearing will determine whether an injunction will be placed on the land to prevent further activities until the case is resolved.
The plaintiffs maintain that if the defendants are not restrained, their actions could “render any eventual judgment by the court meaningless.”
Meanwhile, legal analysts point out that land disputes of this nature often take years to resolve, especially when powerful figures are involved. The case is likely to generate public interest given the prominence of those accused.
With a court-mandated deadline for the defendants to respond, all eyes will now be on Iyabo Obasanjo and her co-defendants as they prepare their legal defense against the allegations of trespassing.
