Maryam Abacha-Linked Property: Court Appoints Receiver Amid Ownership Dispute

The Federal High Court in Lagos has appointed a receiver/manager to take possession and control of a disputed property in Victoria Island linked to Dr. (Mrs.) Maryam Sani Abacha.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa issued the interim order in Suit No. FHC/LAG/CS/1245/2026, filed by Abacha against Levitikal Realties & Construction Limited over the property located at No. 68 Molade Okoya Thomas Street, off Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The court restrained Levitikal Realties, its directors, agents, representatives and anyone acting through the company from selling, transferring, assigning, mortgaging, leasing, charging, alienating or otherwise dealing with the property pending the hearing and determination of the applicant’s Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.

The disputed property is covered by a Certificate of Occupancy dated July 4, 1988, and registered at the Lagos State Lands Registry.

Justice Lewis-Allagoa also approved the appointment of the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, or another officer serving as Official Receiver, as Receiver/Manager to take possession, custody and control of the property pending further proceedings.

Alternatively, the court approved the appointment of Bola Adebule & Company, Estate Surveyors & Valuers, or another suitable and reputable property management firm registered with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Agency, to assume responsibility for the property.

The judge further directed that Levitikal Realties must not present itself to third parties as the owner of the property or hold itself out as having the authority to sell, transfer, mortgage, lease or otherwise encumber the asset.

The legal dispute reportedly stems from a joint venture arrangement involving plans to develop a high-rise project on the property. Court processes indicate that the landowner subsequently terminated the agreement, citing alleged fundamental breaches by the developer. The claims remain subject to determination by the court.

The matter has also reportedly generated separate legal and alternative dispute-resolution proceedings, including arbitration.

The court’s latest intervention followed an ex parte application filed by Abacha on September 10, 2026, through her counsel, Adedayo Adesina, SAN.

Justice Lewis-Allagoa also authorised Abacha to publish the orders in national newspapers and online media in Nigeria to notify members of the public, prospective buyers, lenders, investors and other interested parties about the pending proceedings and the dispute surrounding the property.

The judge directed the Nigeria Police Force, including the Inspector General of Police, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, as well as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other relevant law-enforcement agencies, to provide assistance and security for the implementation of the orders.

The property had previously attracted reported attention from the EFCC, with media reports in August 2026 stating that operatives had marked the development with a warning directing people to keep away amid an alleged investigation. Those reports did not establish a final finding of wrongdoing against any of the parties.

The latest court order does not constitute a final determination of ownership or settle the substantive rights of the parties. Instead, the receivership and restrictions are interim measures pending further proceedings.

The case has been adjourned until November 9, 2026, when further proceedings are expected.