The legal tussle over ownership and development rights within the River Park Estate in Abuja has taken another turn as a Federal Territory Capital (FCT) High Court has ordered all parties to stay-off the disputed property.
The court gave the order on August 21 in Suit No. CV/2902/2025 between Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited (Claimant) and Paulo Homes Nigeria Limited (Defendant).
Presiding judge, Justice C. O. Agashieze, in her ruling, held that both parties should refrain from interference with the properties in contention until further notice.
The court’s directive affects developments within the estate, including Paulo Boulevard and projects associated with Aazik Homes. By adjourning the matter sine die, the court effectively put a hold on all activities at the estate pending a substantive hearing.
During proceedings, a letter written by the Head of the IGP Monitoring Unit, CP Akin Fakorede, dated August 7, surfaced as part of the documents tendered before the court. The letter had been addressed to the FCT Director of Lands and copied to relevant agencies, relating to official dealings on River Park Estate.
The appearance of the letter in court has raised questions among stakeholders, as the matter is still under judicial consideration. Legal practitioners present noted that the inclusion of such correspondence may play a role in shaping the direction of the case.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had earlier directed that all matters relating to the dispute be subjected to review to ensure compliance with due process. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) had also convened meetings with stakeholders in July to encourage an amicable resolution and ensure that court processes were respected.
The dispute has attracted significant public attention because of its implications for land administration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its relevant agencies such as the Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS) and Development Control, also plays a crucial role in resolving ownership and planning issues within the estate.
Analysts say the prolonged dispute has implications for investor confidence, particularly within Abuja’s real estate sector. Concerns have been raised about the clarity of land titles, regulatory compliance, and the need to safeguard investments from overlapping claims.
Stakeholders argue that a transparent resolution of the River Park matter would strengthen Nigeria’s land governance framework and reassure investors about the sanctity of property rights in the FCT. Observers believe that allowing the courts to determine ownership without interference will provide lasting clarity to the parties involved.
At its core, the River Park case is being seen as a test of institutional respect for the rule of law. For now, all eyes remain on the courts and the ministerial committee set up to review land disputes in Abuja, as the matter continues to unfold.