Court Restrains Wike, FCTA Over Disputed Maitama Land
Court Restrains Wike, FCTA Over Disputed Maitama Land
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has issued an interim injunction restraining the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) from proceeding with the revocation of a high-value property in the Maitama District.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Bello Kawu, effectively halts the government’s attempt to take over Park No. 2008, Cadastral Zone A06, a 1.96-hectare parcel of land currently occupied by Nanet Hotels Limited.
The court’s decision follows an ex-parte motion filed by Nanet Hotels, which challenged a revocation notice issued by the FCTA in July 2025. Justice Kawu’s order bars the defendants from enforcing the revocation and specifically prohibits them from “ejecting, harassing, intimidating, sealing, or demolishing” any structures on the property.
Furthermore, the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force have been directed to refrain from assisting in any form of eviction or disturbance while the legal matter is pending.
The dispute centers on a Deed of Sub-Lease dated July 9, 2007, which Nanet Hotels argues grants them lawful possession of the land until 2037.
The company contends that the FCTA’s attempt to revoke the title is an unlawful conversion of designated park space and an interference with established property rights.
The court has ordered all parties to maintain the status quo as of the date the suit was filed, pending the determination of the motion on notice.
Following the ruling, solicitors for Nanet Hotels issued a public notice warning investors and developers to stay away from the property. Lead counsel Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) emphasized that no person or authority has the legal right to allocate or sell the land while it remains sub judice.
This case is part of a growing number of legal challenges against Minister Wike’s aggressive campaign to revoke land titles across Abuja’s elite districts for alleged defaults and land-use violations.
