A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, sitting in Maitama, has ordered all parties involved in the ownership dispute over River Park Estate to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
Justice S. U. Bature made the order on Tuesday following an application by John Idoko, who is counsel to the claimant, JonahCapital Nigeria Limited, in the case of alleged interference in the processing of land documents, including the Right of Occupancy and Certificate of Occupancy.
The court further granted applications to amend the name of the first defendant and issued a stern warning against any action that may affect the subject matter of the suit.
During the proceedings, Idoko informed the court that the entity initially listed as Dunamis International Christian Centre was not the proper legal entity.
He requested that the name be amended to reflect the Registered Trustees of Dunamis International Church.
Speaking to reporters after the session, Idoko explained, “The amendment aligns with the rules of court and ensures that the right legal entity is held accountable.
“You cannot sue an entity that is not juristic, and we are pleased that the court has granted the amendment.”
Idoko further noted that an individual claiming to be a majority shareholder in JonahCapital Nigeria Limited was not allowed to make submissions, as he had not been joined as a party to the suit.
“The court rightly refused to hear him,” he said. “Until he is properly joined, he has no locus to address the court.”
Justice Bature in the ruling held that the order is for all parties to maintain the status quo.
The order includes all parties, including the Honourable Minister of the FCT, and directly affects the processing and issuance of land documents related to River Park Estate, a high-value real estate development along the Airport Road in Abuja.
The court also ruled that no action should be taken by any party which could alter the current state of affairs or undermine the proceedings.
Counsel to Dunamis International Church, Felix Tyokase, told journalists that his client did not oppose the amendment and reaffirmed that the church was not engaged in any form of encroachment.
“That order to maintain the status quo was already given as far back as January,” Tyokase stated.
“We are not doing anything on their land, and the claimant has shown no proof of any interference. Dunamis is lawfully on the land allocated to it by the proper authorities,” he said.
He also addressed the internal dispute in JonahCapital involving an individual claiming majority shareholding.
According to him, “That issue is entirely internal and does not involve Dunamis. We will respond appropriately if it becomes relevant to this case.”
The matter before the court concerns conflicting claims over the ownership of portions of land within River Park Estate.
JonahCapital Nigeria Limited stated that it holds legal proprietary interests over substantial parts of the estate and alleged that Dunamis International Church unlawfully occupied and converted some of the land for its use, including for parking.
Dunamis has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that it is in lawful possession of land allocated to it by government agencies.
The church has also stated that its occupation of the land in question is based on valid legal documentation.
The court adjourned the matter for the continuation of the hearing of pending applications.
