A Federal High Court in Lagos has appointed an interim receiver to take control of a disputed property in Victoria Island linked to Maryam Sani Abacha, as a legal battle over the development continues.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa ordered the appointment of a receiver and manager on 29 September, following an application by Mrs Abacha against Levitikal Realties & Construction Limited.
The property, located at No. 68 Molade Okoya Thomas Street, off Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, is covered by a Certificate of Occupancy dated 4 July 1988.
Under the order, the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, or an official receiver, is to take possession, custody and control of the property pending further proceedings. The court also restrained Levitikal Realties, its directors, agents and representatives from selling, transferring, leasing, mortgaging or otherwise dealing with the property.
The dispute stems from a 2021 joint venture agreement between Mrs Abacha and Levitikal for the redevelopment of the site into 18 three-bedroom flats.
According to an affidavit filed in support of Mrs Abacha’s application, nine of the completed flats were to be allocated to Levitikal as consideration for the development.
Her son, Sadiq Mohammed Abacha, who swore the affidavit, alleged that the developer breached the agreement by failing to obtain the required building approval and complete the project within the agreed timeframe.
He further stated that Mrs Abacha subsequently revoked a power of attorney and terminated the joint venture agreement.
The affidavit also alleged that Levitikal used the property as collateral for credit facilities and continued to market the development after the joint venture was terminated.
Those allegations have not been finally determined by the court.
The judge also authorised the appointment of Bola Adebule & Company, Estate Surveyors and Valuers, or another suitable property management firm registered with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Agency, to manage the property.
The court directed the police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other relevant law-enforcement agencies to provide assistance in enforcing the order.
The dispute has also entered mediation and arbitration proceedings.
The court’s latest order is interim and does not amount to a final determination of ownership or the substantive rights of either party.
The case has been adjourned until 9 November 2026.
