By Yemi Oyeyemi, Abuja
An Abuja-based lawyer, Mr. Balla Dakum, has threatened to initiate contempt proceedings against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over the alleged demolition of a property in Maitama District despite a subsisting court order restraining such action.
Addressing judiciary correspondents at a press briefing in Abuja on behalf of his client, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim, Chairman of Mykas Grid Ventures Ltd, Dakum expressed dismay that the demolition was carried out notwithstanding an order directing all parties to maintain the status quo.
The disputed property, located at Plot A06/4583, Maitama, Abuja, reportedly had its perimeter fence and security house pulled down by officials of the FCT Development Control Department, allegedly acting on the directive of the minister.
Dakum stated that the minister proceeded with the demolition despite being duly served with the relevant court processes.
“Earlier today, despite a valid and subsisting court order directing all parties to maintain status quo, the minister ordered the demolition of the fence on the disputed property,” he said. “Once a court of competent jurisdiction issues such an order, it is binding on all parties, regardless of position or office.”
He described the action as a serious affront to the rule of law and a threat to constitutional governance.
“The rule of law remains the foundation of our democracy. No individual, no matter how highly placed, is above the law. Court orders are not advisory; they are binding directives backed by the full force of the law,” Dakum said.
The lawyer disclosed that his legal team would apply for Form 48 — a notice of consequences of disobedience to court order — as a preliminary step toward seeking committal proceedings against the minister.
Dakum further alleged that the minister, accompanied by more than 50 armed police officers, moved to take possession of the property, which he claimed had been reallocated to Italia Company Limited, without prior formal notice.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to caution the minister against what he described as a flagrant disregard for judicial authority.
Also speaking at the briefing, Ibrahim said he was allocated the 1.5-hectare plot in 2006 during the tenure of Nasir El-Rufai as FCT Minister. He said the land was later reduced to 8,572.60 square metres following a redesign to create parking space for the As-Salam Mosque.
He alleged that in November last year, the land was reallocated to an Italian company without his consent, prompting him to seek judicial intervention.
According to Ibrahim, he received a telephone call from a security operative instructing him to vacate the property shortly before the demolition.
“They did not allow me to remove my belongings. My trucks were moved without inventory being taken,” he alleged.
Ibrahim expressed concern that the demolition was carried out despite an order issued by Justice H. Mu’azu of the FCT High Court, Maitama Division, directing parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing of a motion on notice.
Justice Mu’azu had on February 10 granted the interim order in a motion ex parte marked M/16354/2025, moved by counsel Hussaina Tukur. The matter was subsequently adjourned to April 23, 2026, for hearing.
In the motion ex parte dated December 5, 2025, Mykas Grid Ventures Ltd, through a team of lawyers led by Dakum, sued the FCT Minister and Italia Company Ltd as first and second defendants.
Among the reliefs sought is an interim injunction restraining the defendants from forcefully taking possession of Plot No. A06/4583, File No. MISC 129288, measuring approximately 8,572.60 square metres, also known as Park 2023, Maitama District, Abuja, pending the determination of the motion on notice.
