FCT High Court to Hear Judicial Review in Ongoing River Park Estate Dispute
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Jikwoyi-Kurudu will on Monday, October 6, hear a judicial review application challenging the report and recommendations of the Ministerial Committee established by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in connection with the long-running River Park Estate dispute in Lugbe, Abuja.
The application, filed by Paulo Homes Nigeria Ltd and Houses for Africa Nigeria Ltd, seeks to set aside the committee’s proceedings and findings concerning Plot 4, Cadastral Zone E30, River Park Estate. The developers contend that the committee’s process exceeded its legal authority and failed to adhere to procedural fairness.
Presiding Judge Justice Mohammed Zubairu had earlier, on September 17, 2025, granted leave for judicial review via certiorari after considering the applicants’ affidavits and legal arguments. The court also ruled that the leave would operate as an automatic stay of all actions relating to the committee’s report pending the substantive hearing, in accordance with Order 43 Rule 3(6)(a) of the Rules of the Court 2025.
The ruling temporarily halts any enforcement of the Ministerial Committee’s recommendations until the judicial review is concluded.
Applicants Seek Access to Committee Records
In their motion (M/11417/2025), the applicants, represented by Anthony Malik (SAN) alongside Homa Ihunwo and Edward Ajaba, are also seeking an order compelling the Minister of the FCT and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) named as respondents to produce the full proceedings, report, and recommendations of the Ministerial Committee submitted to the minister on September 2, 2025.
According to the supporting affidavit sworn by Zainab Suleiman, the applicants maintain that access to the committee’s full documentation is necessary to ensure transparency and judicial scrutiny of the administrative process that led to the report.
Interim Injunction to Maintain Status Quo
To prevent potential enforcement actions, the applicants are further requesting an interim injunction restraining the respondents, their officers, or agents from implementing or acting on the committee’s recommendations pending the determination of the substantive motion.
This development effectively pauses any administrative action related to the disputed property, maintaining the status quo until the court delivers a final judgment.
Implications for Urban Development Governance
The River Park case underscores ongoing tensions between private developers and government authorities over land administration and planning compliance in Abuja. It highlights the need for consistent regulatory frameworks and transparent dispute resolution mechanisms in urban development governance.
For investors and policymakers, the outcome of this case may set a significant precedent on the extent of ministerial oversight and the scope of judicial intervention in urban land disputes within the Federal Capital Territory.
What Comes Next
The FCT High Court is expected to begin hearing arguments on Monday, after which further directions will be issued. Stakeholders across the housing and development sectors are closely watching the proceedings, given their potential implications for future land administration and regulatory reform in the FCT.
