Court Issues Fresh Arrest Warrant for Police Officer in Alleged ₦300m Maitama Property Disputex

Police Officer Faces Arrest Over Alleged ₦300m Property Dispute

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has issued a fresh bench warrant for the arrest of a police officer, Edith Erhunwunse, over her continued absence from proceedings in an alleged ₦300 million unlawful eviction and property damage case. The order was issued by Justice Samira Bature following an application by the prosecution in a case that has drawn attention within Abuja's real estate and legal communities.

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The matter relates to allegations of unlawful eviction and destruction of property located in Maitama, one of Abuja's most valuable residential districts. The case underscores the growing importance of legal protections for property owners and occupants amid rising disputes over land ownership, tenancy rights, and high-value real estate assets in the Federal Capital Territory.

Court Orders Immediate Arrest

At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel Aderonke Imana informed the court that an earlier bench warrant had already been issued against the police officer. According to the prosecution, letters were sent to the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, and the defendant was allegedly directed to appear in court, yet she failed to comply.

The prosecution argued that the defendant had consistently ignored court processes for more than a year while other defendants in the matter continued to attend proceedings. Citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, the prosecution urged the court to issue another warrant to compel her appearance.

Justice Bature granted the application and directed all law enforcement agencies to arrest the defendant wherever she may be found, citing what the court described as continued disobedience of court orders.

Allegations Centre on ₦300 Million Property Damage Claim

The Federal Government alleges that the defendants unlawfully evicted a resident, Asabe Waziri, from a property located on Mekong Street in Maitama in 2022 and removed valuables allegedly worth approximately ₦300 million. The accused persons include the police officer, property developer Cecil Osakwe, and Abuja-based lawyer Victor Giwa, who are facing multiple charges including conspiracy, unlawful eviction, and malicious property damage.

The defendants have not been convicted, and the allegations remain before the court for determination. The case continues to attract attention due to the value of the property involved and the prominence of the Maitama district within Abuja's premium real estate market.

Implications for Property Rights and Real Estate Investment

Property disputes remain a significant challenge within Nigeria's real estate sector, particularly in high-value locations where ownership claims, tenancy disagreements, and development interests often intersect.

Legal experts note that effective enforcement of court orders is essential to maintaining confidence in property rights and dispute resolution mechanisms. Investors, developers, and property owners typically rely on a predictable legal framework to protect assets and resolve conflicts fairly and efficiently.

The Maitama case highlights the role of the judiciary in addressing disputes involving property ownership, occupancy rights, and alleged unlawful evictions. It also reinforces the importance of compliance with court processes by all parties involved in real estate-related litigation.

Court Encourages Settlement Discussions

Despite issuing the fresh warrant, the court encouraged parties to continue exploring the possibility of an out-of-court settlement. Justice Bature directed the parties to provide an update on any progress made during the next hearing. The matter was subsequently adjourned until September 29, 2026, for continuation of trial proceedings.

The judge also warned against further delays, indicating that the court expects all parties to comply with future proceedings.

Conclusion

The issuance of a fresh bench warrant in the alleged ₦300 million Maitama property dispute marks another development in a case that touches on property rights, legal enforcement, and real estate governance in Abuja. As proceedings continue, stakeholders across the property sector will be watching closely for the court's eventual determination and its broader implications for dispute resolution within Nigeria's real estate market.

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