A Federal High Court in Abuja has summoned Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, over allegations of trespassing on a parcel of land in the Asokoro District of Abuja.
Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order on Tuesday in response to an ex-parte motion filed by ABB Electrical Systems Limited and Chief Ambassador Yohana Y.D. Margif. The plaintiffs claim ownership of the property, located at Plot 4254, Cadastral Zone A04, measuring approximately 1.67 hectares, by a Statutory Right of Occupancy granted by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in May 2006.
The court also summoned former FCT Senator Philip Aduda and five other co-defendants to appear and show cause why they should not be restrained from entering or making modifications to the disputed property.
Justice Ekwo ruled that the plaintiffs’ request for injunctive relief could not be granted without first hearing from the defendants. However, he granted the plaintiff’s application for substituted service, allowing court documents to be served via publication in two national newspapers.
The plaintiffs allege that the defendants are making attempts to forcibly take possession of the land, which they argue would cause irreparable damage and render the court’s decision ineffective. They maintain that they have been in peaceful possession of the property and are preparing to commence development in compliance with statutory requirements.
“It will amount to a serious miscarriage of justice if the defendants are allowed to tamper with, enter, trespass, alter, or modify the property belonging to the plaintiffs,” the motion stated.
The judge ordered that the defendants be notified within seven days and adjourned the case until March 6, 2025, for further proceedings.
The court will decide whether to grant an interim injunction restraining the defendants from any activities on the land pending the case’s resolution.
QED
