CSOs Urge Tinubu to Probe Alleged Military-Backed Land Invasion in Abuja

A coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations has formally requested President Bola Tinubu to launch an investigation into an alleged land invasion in Abuja, which they claim was backed by military entities. The groups assert that Defence Properties Limited has illegally occupied land belonging to Efab estate, even as ownership disputes remain before the courts.

The coalition, spearheaded by the Mighty One Empowerment Foundation, voiced these concerns at a press conference in Abuja. They specifically called for a federal government inquiry into how Defence Properties Limited allegedly moved heavy equipment onto the disputed land. According to the coalition, personnel from Defence Properties Limited entered the property under a joint venture agreement with an individual currently involved in legal proceedings concerning the land.

Professor Barika Dominic Saro-Laka, founder of the Mighty One Empowerment Foundation, stated that Efab Properties is the rightful owner of the land. He questioned the legitimacy of the transaction involving Defence Properties Limited, particularly given that the property is subject to disputed ownership claims and the individual involved faces prosecution. Saro-Laka also mentioned that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had previously investigated aspects of the dispute, leading to the invalidation of documents related to the contested ownership, though official documentation was not provided.

The coalition emphasized that Defence Properties Limited allegedly proceeded with the transaction without adequate due diligence, despite the pending court cases. They expressed deep concern that an organization of such standing would engage in a transaction involving someone facing prosecution over the same property. The groups urged President Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, the National Security Adviser, and the Chief of Army Staff to order the immediate withdrawal of Defence Properties Limited personnel and equipment from the site until the legal dispute is settled. They stressed that military institutions should refrain from involvement in private property disputes until court resolutions are finalized.

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It is deeply disturbing that an organisation of such standing would become associated with a transaction involving a person already facing prosecution over the same property.