A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a long-standing suit filed by the family of late Head of State General Sani Abacha, challenging the revocation of their property in the Maitama District of Abuja. The court’s decision marks the fourth legal defeat for the Abacha family concerning the disputed property.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment, ruling against the suit filed in 2015 by Mohammed Sani Abacha, the late military ruler’s eldest surviving son, and his widow, Hajia Maryam Abacha. The plaintiffs sought the return of their father’s mansions located at Osara Close in Maitama and demanded N500 million in compensation.
The court dismissed the case on multiple grounds, including that it was statute-barred—meaning it was filed too late after the cause of action arose. Justice Lifu also found that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi, or legal standing, as they failed to present necessary documents proving their authority to act on behalf of the estate.
The dispute originated from the revocation of the property’s Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) by the federal government on January 16, 2006. The Abacha family argued that the revocation violated Section 44 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 28 of the Land Use Act. They claimed that the FCT administration, under then-Minister Nasir El-Rufai, had initially directed them to submit the C of O for re-certification. They received notification of the revocation without a reason or adequate compensation.
The plaintiffs requested the court to nullify the revocation, declare their C of O valid, and prohibit any further action on the property. They also sought an injunction and N500 million in damages.
The defendants, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the Federal Capital Development Authority, the President, and Salamed Ventures Limited, countered the suit by arguing that it was barred by the Public Officers Protection Act. They claimed the suit was an academic exercise and should be dismissed.
Salamed Ventures Limited, which purchased the property from the federal government, argued that the suit was statute-barred and lacked merit. They produced evidence showing lawful acquisition of the property and compliance with legal requirements.
Justice Lifu agreed with the defendants, ruling that the suit was filed beyond the legal time frame and that the plaintiffs failed to prove their standing or legal right to the property. He also upheld the argument that the revocation was lawful due to breaches of occupancy covenants.
The court dismissed the suit and awarded N500,000 in litigation costs to Salamed Ventures Limited.
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