Federal High Court Dismisses Winhomes Claims on Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Project
A Federal High Court has dismissed the lawsuit filed by Mrs. Stella Ifeoma Okengwu, CEO of Winhomes Global Services Limited, concerning the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project, ruling that the claims were inconsistent with evidence presented and lacked legal standing.
The court found that Winhomes had long divested its interest in the disputed land, selling the property to third parties, and therefore no longer possessed any legal claim. The judge also held that the issues raised, including alleged land trespass and diversion of the highway route, fell outside the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court as outlined under Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution.
Mrs. Okengwu had publicly accused the Federal Government and Works Minister David Umahi of rerouting the highway through what she described as a $250 million residential estate in Okun Ajah, Lagos. However, the court determined that Winhomes’ assertions were unsupported by facts and contradicted sworn affidavits filed in the case.
Government Responds to Allegations
The Special Adviser to the Minister of Works on Media, Uchenna Orji, stated that the ruling exposes the “mendacious and unfounded” nature of the claims. Orji emphasised that the allegations, widely circulated in the media, were misleading and aimed at discrediting the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project and Nigeria’s broader Renewed Hope road infrastructure programme.
Officials noted that what Winhomes presented as a residential development was, in reality, a gatehouse on otherwise undeveloped land. They further urged the public to disregard Mrs. Okengwu’s online statements regarding the project.
Implications for the Highway Project
The court’s decision removes legal ambiguity over the land in question and ensures that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project can proceed without interruption. Federal Government officials reaffirmed that the highway, a 750-kilometre corridor connecting nine coastal states, remains on schedule to provide critical connectivity, stimulate trade, and attract investment across southern Nigeria.
Looking Forward
With legal clarity secured, stakeholders expect construction and public access milestones to proceed as planned, supporting regional economic growth and reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to delivering strategic infrastructure projects efficiently and transparently.
