The Federal High Court in Lagos has put a property in Victoria Island connected to Maryam Abacha under interim receivership. This follows a dispute between her and a property development company. Mrs Abacha is the widow of former Nigerian leader, the late Sani Abacha.
According to the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court order shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Friday, the judge, Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, made the order on 29 September. He appointed the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar or an official receiver to manage the property at No. 68 Molade Okoya Thomas Street, off Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The judge also stopped Levitikal Realties & Construction Limited, along with its agents and directors, from selling, transferring, or leasing the property. They are barred from any dealings related to the property.
This order came after an ex parte application filed by Mrs Abacha in suit No. FHC/LAG/CS/1245/2026.
Background of the Dispute
An affidavit filed in support of the application shows that Mrs Abacha is the registered owner of the property. This is backed by a Certificate of Occupancy dated 4 July 1988.
The affidavit, sworn by her son, Sadiq Mohammed Abacha, says that she entered into a Property Development Joint Venture Agreement with Levitikal on 13 May 2021. This was for the redevelopment of the property into 18 three-bedroom flats.
According to the agreement, nine of the completed flats were to go to Levitikal as payment for the development. Mr Abacha stated that the agreement and a later power of attorney did not give ownership of the land to Levitikal.
He claimed that the company later broke the agreement by not getting the necessary building approval and failing to finish the project on time.
The affidavit noted that Mrs Abacha revoked the power of attorney in May and ended the joint venture agreement. Both parties were to first try mediation, and if that did not work, resolve the dispute through arbitration.
Alleged Misuse of Property
The affidavit also claimed that Levitikal used the property as collateral for loans from Providus Bank Limited. Mr Abacha stated this happened even though Mrs Abacha said Levitikal had no right to use the land as security.
He said, “The defendant presently possesses no assignable, transferable, registrable or chargeable interest capable of being used as collateral or security for any financial accommodation whatsoever.”
He also accused the company of continuing to market the property to potential buyers after the joint venture was ended. These allegations have not been decided by the court.
Details from the Court Order
Under the court order, the deputy chief registrar of the Federal High Court or an official receiver must take possession and control of the property until the motion on notice is heard.
The judge also permitted a property management firm, such as Bola Adebule & Company, Estate Surveyors and Valuers, or another suitable firm registered with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, to be appointed.
Mrs Abacha was allowed to publish the order in national newspapers and online, at her own expense, to inform potential buyers, lenders, and other interested people about the case.
The Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, Lagos, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, EFCC, and other law enforcement agencies were told to provide security and help enforce the order.
This order is interim and does not make a final ruling on who owns the property or the rights of the parties involved. The case was postponed until 9 November.
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