The owners of Peka Park and Garden in Abuja have alleged that the recreational facility was demolished despite a subsisting court order, putting the value of destroyed properties at more than N1bn.
Obike Industries Nigeria Limited, which operates the facility in Wuse Zone 3, also said more than 100 workers were displaced following the demolition.
The company’s director, Onyeka Ikenta, made the allegations at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, where he appealed to President Bola Tinubu, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the National Assembly and the judiciary to intervene.
Ikenta said the property, identified as Plot 1353, Cadastral Zone A02, Wuse 1 District, was initially designated as a green area before it was allocated to the company in 2007 after a competitive process.
He said the company obtained the necessary approvals and invested hundreds of millions of naira in developing the recreational facility.
According to him, a dispute over alleged encroachment on the property by adjoining developments led the company to institute a suit against the FCT minister, the Federal Capital Development Authority and others in 2016.
Ikenta said the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory subsequently issued an interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants from dealing with the property in a manner adverse to the company's interests.
He added that the court inspected the property on March 2, 2017, before delivering its ruling on March 9 of the same year.
However, he alleged that FCT officials returned to the property in September 2026 and issued a notice asking the company to vacate, claiming that the land had been revoked and allocated or sold to another party.
Ikenta said the company subsequently wrote to Wike and other FCT officials, drawing their attention to the court order and warning against any action that could affect the subject of the litigation.
He said the company also commenced contempt proceedings by filing Form 48 and Form 49.
Despite this, he alleged that officials arrived at the facility with bulldozers on September 24 and began demolishing the perimeter fence.
"Despite all the processes we had undertaken according to law, these actions did not deter those involved," he said.
Ikenta further alleged that when company officials reminded the demolition team of the court order, they were told they had instructions "from above".
He said heavy equipment returned on September 28 and continued the demolition while security personnel were deployed to the premises.
The company director said the development had raised concerns about the protection of investments and respect for court orders, particularly because the company had opted for legal action rather than self-help.
"What is the hope of a Nigerian who intends to contribute economically and socially to ensure that this country progresses, if law enforcement agents of the state are involved in destroying the property of a Nigerian?" he asked.
Ikenta said Peka Park had operated for more than a decade, providing jobs for over 100 people and offering recreational services to residents and visitors.
He also expressed concern over the alleged conversion of green and recreational spaces in Abuja to residential developments, saying such areas were important for flood control, recreation and tourism.
The company said its preliminary assessment showed that buildings, equipment and other assets destroyed in the demolition were worth more than N1bn, although it was still assessing the full extent of the damage.
Ikenta urged Tinubu to investigate the circumstances surrounding the demolition and ensure that the rule of law was upheld.
He also asked Wike to clarify whether the demolition was authorised by his office and, if not, investigate officials allegedly acting in his name.
The company further called on the National Assembly and the judiciary to intervene, arguing that alleged disobedience of court orders could undermine confidence in the justice system and discourage investment.
"It is not too late to reverse this act. We are calling on the relevant authorities to stop what is going on and allow the judicial process to take its course," Ikenta said.
He said the company would continue to pursue the matter through lawful channels and was seeking justice rather than confrontation.
Discussion0