High Court Judge Condemns FCTA’s Disregard for Court Order in Estate Demolition Case Justice Hamza Muazu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, has criticized the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for failing to comply with a valid court order that prohibited the demolition of a property owned by Praco International Ltd.
The property, situated in the Asokoro/Kugbo area of the FCT, is part of a multi-billion-naira estate development undertaken by SNECOU Group and others.
The judge’s remarks stem from a recent development in a lawsuit filed by Engr Success Obioma, Praco International Ltd, Psalm 127 Ltd, and Peace Be Still Ltd against the FCT Administration.
The defendants listed in the suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/1739/24 and Motion No: M/5827/2024, include various FCTA authorities such as the FCT Minister, Federal Capital Development Authority, and others.
On March 22, 2024, Justice Eleojor Enenche of the FCT High Court in Wuse issued an interim injunction order restraining the defendants from demolishing or destroying the claimants’ developments on several plots across different areas of the FCT.
Despite the existence of this order, FCDA officials proceeded to demolish the property on Wednesday.
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Expressing dissatisfaction with the FCT authorities’ actions, the developer sought further legal recourse by obtaining an extension of the injunction order from the court for an additional seven days.
During a hearing presided over by Justice Muazu at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, the judge admonished the defendants for their actions while the matter was still pending in court.
Following arguments presented by the Claimants’ lawyer, J. K Matthew, the court compelled the FCT Authorities to provide an undertaking, through their legal representatives, pledging not to take any actions that would defy the court’s authority.
Justice Muazu cautioned against any interference with the property until a final determination is reached in the substantive suit.
In a statement to the press, Dr. Chukwudubem Ezekwelu Esq., the Managing Director/Project Manager of Praco International Ltd, expressed dismay at the disregard for court orders by certain government bodies.
He called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene and uphold the integrity of the judiciary, and urged FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, to reconsider the decision to demolish the estate.
Dr. Ezekwelu emphasized the significance of the real estate sector in generating revenue and boosting the country’s economy, urging government support for such initiatives.
