Justice Yusuf Halilu cautions parties against self-help as ownership battle over Apo land intensifies.
By A1 News International Correspondent
ABUJA — May 7, 2026
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has warned estate developers and litigants involved in a disputed land matter in Abuja against disobeying subsisting court orders, as tensions rise over ownership claims to a prime property in Apo District.
Justice Yusuf Halilu issued the warning on Thursday during proceedings in an ownership dispute involving Plot 1729, Cadastral Zone F27, Apo, Abuja, currently before the court.
The dispute pits AMAC Investment and Property Development Company, Commercial Property Limited, and Manillah Integrated Partners against Dr. Shuaib Omeiza Musari and Techs & Concretes Limited, with both parties laying claim to the land.
During the hearing, counsel to the first defendant, Barrister Realwan Okpanachi, accused AMAC Investment and Property Development Company of violating an interlocutory injunction earlier granted by the court on April 15, 2025.
According to the lawyer, the court had ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending determination of the ownership dispute. However, he alleged that construction activities had continued unabated on the property.
Alleged Violation of Court Order
Okpanachi told the court that several buildings on the disputed land had already reached roofing stage despite the subsisting order restraining development on the site.
He described the alleged action of the plaintiff company as provocative and capable of threatening public peace, adding that he had consistently advised his client to remain calm and law-abiding despite the developments.
The defence counsel urged Justice Halilu to personally visit the disputed property to verify the alleged disobedience and take punitive measures against those responsible.
He further disclosed that moves were already underway to initiate contempt proceedings against the plaintiff company and its promoters.
Plaintiff Blames Opposing Party
Responding to the allegations, counsel to the plaintiff and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Idris Abubakar, alleged that Dr. Shuaib Omeiza Musari had earlier visited the property with media personnel and suspected thugs to mark some structures on the land.
Abubakar claimed the buildings would have been vandalised but for the intervention of security operatives.
Although the senior lawyer did not directly deny that construction work had continued on the land, he informed the court that an appeal had already been lodged before the Court of Appeal concerning the matter.
Judge Warns Against Self-Help
Delivering remarks during the proceedings, Justice Halilu stressed that every valid court order remains binding until set aside by a competent court.
The judge warned parties against taking the law into their own hands or undermining the authority of the judiciary.
“The sanctity, authority and dignity of the court must be respected. Once a court makes an order, it must be obeyed,” the judge stated.
He added that no party should return to the disputed property or undertake any action capable of prejudicing the ongoing case until the matter is fully determined.
Justice Halilu further warned that anyone who disregards the authority of the court would bear the consequences of such actions.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until June 1, 2026, for the first defendant to open his defence in the contentious ownership battle over the Apo property.
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