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The protracted dispute over the ownership and development rights of the River Park Estate in Abuja has continued to attract public attention, following a series of administrative actions and official statements by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, amid ongoing court proceedings.

The controversy centres on JonahCapital Nigeria Limited (JCNL), the company associated with the development of the over 500-hectare estate, and competing claims regarding its ownership structure and control. While the matter is currently before the courts, differing interpretations of official records and investigative reports have fuelled debate about due process and institutional consistency.

On September 18, 2025, the FCT Minister stated during a national television programme that Sir Sam Esson Jonah, a Ghanaian businessman, is the owner and controlling figure of JCNL. That assertion has since been contrasted with records from statutory institutions, including the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), as well as submissions made to a ministerial committee earlier set up to review the dispute.

Corporate Affairs Commission Records

According to a letter dated December 9, 2025, the Registrar-General of the CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, confirmed that Dr. Adeniran Ogunmuyiwa and his wife jointly hold 60 per cent of the shares in JCNL and are listed as the company’s directors. The CAC records also show Sir Sam Jonah as a 40 per cent minority shareholder, without a directorship position.

This shareholding structure had earlier been presented on September 2, 2025, to an FCT Ministerial Committee constituted by the minister to examine issues arising from a petition submitted by legal representatives connected to the dispute. The committee’s presentation, which was made publicly available, reflected the same ownership configuration as the CAC records.

Administrative Actions and Judicial Review

In September 2025, the FCT administration announced the termination of an 18-year Development Lease Agreement relating to River Park Estate and directed that portions of undeveloped or partially developed land be reverted to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). Subsequent enforcement actions at the estate prompted legal challenges from affected parties.

Following applications before the High Court, Justice Mohammed Zubairu ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a judicial review of the committee’s recommendations and related administrative steps. The court cautioned against any unilateral actions while the case remains under consideration. Further hearings have been scheduled for January 2026.

Police Investigation Referenced

The dispute has also involved the Nigeria Police Force. In 2024, a petition concerning alleged land-related infractions at River Park Estate was submitted to the Inspector-General of Police, who directed a specialised unit to investigate. The findings of that investigation were reportedly forwarded to relevant authorities and referenced during the committee’s deliberations.

However, differing views have emerged regarding the interpretation and weight of the police report, contributing to the complexity of the matter and reinforcing the decision of the courts to assume jurisdiction over the dispute.

Focus on Due Process

Observers note that the River Park Estate case highlights broader issues around land administration, regulatory clarity and the importance of allowing judicial processes to run their full course without undue public controversy. Legal analysts have emphasised that, in matters involving competing claims and significant public interest, restraint and adherence to institutional procedures are essential.

As the case remains before the courts, stakeholders await judicial pronouncements that are expected to provide clarity on the ownership structure, the validity of administrative actions taken, and the applicable legal framework governing the estate. Until then, the emphasis, according to legal experts, should remain on due process and respect for the rule of law.