Abuja developer begins demolition at Kuchibedna after four court losses by community

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

In a decisive move on Tuesday, an Abuja estate developer, Winning Clause Nigeria Limited, reclaimed possession of Plot 67, Cadastral Zone C05, Kafe District in Abuja, following four judicial rulings declaring the Kuchibedna community unauthorised occupants.

The developer has commenced demolition of structures within the community, acting on binding court orders including a recent Court of Appeal decision.

Marx Ikongbeh, counsel for Winning Clause Nigeria Ltd, explained the operation adhered strictly to legal directives: “What you witnessed today is the enforcement of three High Court judgments and one Court of Appeal judgment, all of which held that Kuchibedna Community are illegal trespassers on Plot 67.” He added: “The Court also issued an order of specific performance directing the FCT Minister to give vacant possession to the company so it can proceed with development.”

Originating in 2011, the dispute began when Winning Clause received the plot allocation and claims to have compensated the community three times. Despite this, residents refused to vacate and allegedly expanded the settlement by selling land to non-indigenous occupants, enlarging the illegal encroachment.

Court records reinforce the company’s position: In 2016, Justice Chizoba Oji dismissed the community’s claim, labelling them squatters ineligible for compensation. In 2017, Justice D.Z. Senchi reaffirmed their status as trespassers. By 2021, Justice A.O. Ebong upheld the illegal occupation ruling, a verdict sustained by the Court of Appeal in February 2025.

An enrolled Court of Appeal judgment dated 22 August 2025 and a corresponding Warrant of Possession from 23 September 2025 formed the legal foundation for the enforcement action. Ikongbeh emphasised the company’s “unusual magnanimity” in compensating even non-indigenous residents after multiple court victories. Supporting documents, including a November 2016 FCDA letter, confirm all compensation obligations were met.

The company further alleges the settlement had turned into a hub of criminality with reports of killings, drug activity, and “one-chance” operations. Ikongbeh stated: “The community created a den of criminality in the neighbourhood. Despite judgments and compensation, they continued to occupy and expand the village in defiance of the court.”

Winning Clause Nigeria Limited insists the enforcement clears the way for long-overdue estate development, 14 years since the original allocation.

The developer said it remains committed to completing the demolition of illegal structures in Kuchibedna to restore order and security to the area.