High Court Bars FCTA and Wike from Interfering with Nanet Hotels' Maitama Land
Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued an interim injunction restraining the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, from interfering with a disputed parcel of land in the Maitama District of Abuja. Presiding Judge, Justice Bello Kawu, granted the order in suit FCT/HC/CV/5274/2025, effectively halting any attempts by the administration to revoke the lease or eject the current occupants, Nanet Hotels Limited.
Court-Ordered Restraint on Executive Action
In a ruling delivered on 22 December 2025, the court barred the defendants from enforcing a purported revocation notice dated 7 July 2025. The interim order prohibits the FCTA and Minister Wike from ejecting, harassing, intimidating, or demolishing any structures on the property identified as Park No. 2008, Cadastral Zone A06, Maitama District. The land in question measures approximately 1.96 hectares.
Justice Kawu further directed the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force to refrain from aiding any form of eviction or disturbance regarding the property. The court emphasized that all parties must maintain the status quo as of the date the legal proceedings were initiated, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
Ownership Claims and Warning to Investors
Following the court order, Nanet Hotels issued a public notice on 20 January 2026, cautioning investors, developers, and government agencies against entering into any transactions involving the disputed land. Represented by Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) and Segun Fiki, the company stated that no person or authority possesses the legal right to allocate, sell, or transfer the property while the matter remains sub judice.
The claimant asserts its lawful entitlement to the land through a Deed of Sub-Lease dated 9 July 2007. According to this agreement, Nanet Hotels maintains possession rights until 2037, provided the lease is not terminated through lawful procedures. The company argued that the administration’s attempts to interfere with its occupation constitute an unlawful conversion of designated parks and green areas.
Legal Implications and Administrative Conflict
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the FCT Ministry’s land management policies and private property rights. Nanet Hotels has expressed its readiness to pursue the matter to the Supreme Court to challenge what it describes as "land grabbing" and the unauthorized relocation of property interests.
The solicitors warned the public that any third-party involvement in the property during this litigation could lead to significant financial loss and prolonged legal liability. The case is particularly notable as it joins a series of legal challenges against recent land revocation exercises conducted by the current FCT leadership.
The interim injunction serves as a temporary check on the executive powers of the FCTA regarding land revocation in high-value districts like Maitama. By ordering a return to the status quo, the court has prioritized the preservation of existing leasehold interests until a substantive hearing can address the legality of the FCTA's actions. Market participants and policymakers will likely view the final determination of this suit as a significant indicator of the security of land titles within the Federal Capital Territory.
