The owners of Peka Park and Garden, located in Abuja, have reported a loss of over N1 billion after FCT officials demolished parts of their property despite a subsisting court order. The company, Obike Industries Nigeria Limited, claimed that the demolition, which occurred on September 24 and 28, 2026, resulted in significant damage to their property, equipment, and investments. Director Onyeka Ikenta stated that the company had invested heavily in developing the 4.05-hectare property into a recreational and hospitality facility, which provided employment for over 100 people.
According to Ikenta, the property was originally reserved as a green area and subsequently allocated to the company for management and development after a bidding process conducted by the FCT authorities in 2006. The company emerged as one of the successful bidders and completed the required processes, investing heavily in the property's development. However, the company encountered difficulties due to alleged encroachments by adjoining properties, affecting the implementation of its approved development plan.
The dispute led the company to approach the FCT High Court in 2016, and Justice U.P. Kekemeke issued an interlocutory order on March 9, 2017, restraining the FCT Minister, the FCDA, and other parties from dealing with the property in a manner adverse to the company's interests. Despite this court order, FCT officials returned to the property on September 15, 2026, issued a quit notice, and marked structures for demolition, claiming the property had been revoked and allocated to another party.
The company drew the attention of the FCT Minister and relevant officials to the court order, attaching a copy of the ruling, and initiated further judicial processes to notify the parties of the consequences of alleged disobedience to the court order. However, officials returned to the property with bulldozers and heavy equipment, demolishing the perimeter fence and further structures. Security personnel from various agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services, were present during the demolition.
Ikenta alleged that a company called Legitimate Properties Limited took possession of the property after the demolition. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the National Assembly, and the judiciary to intervene, citing implications for the rule of law, protection of investments, and investor confidence in Nigeria. The incident has raised concerns about the conversion of green areas into residential developments and its potential impact on flooding in the Federal Capital Territory.
The disputed property had served recreational, environmental, and tourism purposes, and Ikenta expressed concern that its conversion could worsen flooding in parts of the Federal Capital Territory. The company is still taking inventory of its losses but has estimated the value of destroyed structures, equipment, and other investments at over N1 billion. The demolition has sparked concerns about the protection of investments and the rule of law in Nigeria.
The FCT Administration's actions have been questioned by various stakeholders, and the incident is expected to have far-reaching consequences. The company's plight has highlighted the need for authorities to respect court orders and protect investments in the country. The incident is a significant setback for the company and its stakeholders, who had invested heavily in the property's development.
Key points
- FCT officials demolished Peka Park and Garden despite a subsisting court order.
- The company claims a loss of over N1 billion due to the demolition.
- The incident has implications for the rule of law, protection of investments, and investor confidence in Nigeria.
