An Abuja High Court has ordered all parties in the lingering ownership tussle over the sprawling River Park Estate to maintain the status quo pending determination of the substantive suit. The order, delivered on August 21, 2025, by Justice C. O. Agashieze in Suit No. CV/2902/2025, effectively freezes all activities on the disputed properties, including developments by Paulo Homes and Aazik Homes.
The case was instituted by Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited against Paulo Homes Nigeria Limited. The judge directed both parties to “stay action and refrain from interference” on the properties in contention until further notice. The matter has been adjourned sine die.
However, fresh controversy emerged when a letter written by a police commissioner, Mr. Akin Fakorede, was admitted as part of filings by lawyers representing Paulo Homes. The letter, dated August 7, 2025, and addressed to the FCT Director of Land Administration, had instructed that all official dealings concerning River Park Estate be routed through Paulo Homes, effectively recognizing the company’s chief executive, Paul Odili, as sole owner of the land.
The document, first made public by investigative reports earlier this month, has attracted scrutiny because of multiple ongoing court cases and a ministerial committee set up by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to probe disputes around the estate. Legal observers have expressed concern that its tendering in court could amount to interference in pending litigation.
Officials at the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) had earlier directed the police to halt further action on related criminal proceedings and transmit case files for review. Similarly, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) was said to have instructed that further investigations into alleged irregularities in River Park’s incorporation documents be pursued. Critics argue that Fakorede’s letter runs contrary to those directives.
Civil society groups and industry stakeholders fear the dispute could further dampen investor confidence in Abuja’s real estate sector. Analysts note that beyond the ownership quarrel, the episode raises broader questions about institutional compliance, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.
