The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order stopping the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and other government agencies from taking over a prime land parcel in Maitama District currently occupied by Nanet Hotels Limited.
In court documents dated 22 December 2025, the court restrained the minister, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), and their representatives from interfering with the hotel’s possession and use of the property pending the hearing of a motion on notice.
The disputed property, identified as Park No. 2008 in Cadastral Zone A06, Maitama District, covers approximately 1.96 hectares.
The ruling bars the defendants from ejecting, harassing, sealing, demolishing, or otherwise disturbing Nanet Hotels’ occupation of the land. The court also directed all parties to maintain the status quo as at the time the suit was filed.
Additionally, the court ordered the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force not to act on any alleged revocation of the land or provide security support for actions related to the property.
The interim injunction followed an ex parte application by Nanet Hotels, which is contesting a revocation notice contained in a letter dated 7 July 2025.
The hotel maintains that under a Deed of Sub-Lease executed on 9 July 2007, it has the legal right to occupy the land until 2037, unless the agreement is lawfully terminated.
After the ruling, the hotel’s lawyers issued a public notice cautioning investors and developers against engaging in any transaction involving the land while the case is ongoing. They warned that such dealings could result in prolonged legal disputes, referencing the subsisting court orders and the pending suit marked FCT/HC/CV/5274/2025.
The legal team stressed that no individual or authority currently has the right to allocate, sell, lease, transfer, or develop the land or any portion of it. They also stated that their client is prepared to pursue the case to the Supreme Court if necessary, describing the action as part of a broader push against alleged land racketeering and unlawful conversion of park spaces in the FCT.
Background
The ruling comes amid intensified enforcement by the FCTA. In September 2025, the administration revoked all park licences in Abuja, directing operators to undergo fresh screening and possible reallocation due to widespread violations of land-use regulations.
The FCTA has also demolished parts of Boulevard Park in Maitama over unauthorised developments, citing breaches of the Abuja master plan. These actions form part of a broader crackdown on illegal land conversions in high-value areas such as Maitama, Asokoro, and Garki.
The case highlights persistent concerns over land administration, property rights, and urban planning enforcement in the Federal Capital Territory.