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A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed, has condemned the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for allegedly attempting to illegally seize a lawfully acquired property in Lagos.
The property was allocated to a consortium of investors by the Lagos State Government after they fulfilled all legal requirements.
Ndarani, who doubles as principal partner to the legal representatives to the investors, claimed that Minister Umahi has abandoned the gazetted alignment for a federal road project and diverted the construction route to invade the area legally owned by the investors.
He argued that this action is illegal, reckless, and damaging to Nigeria’s reputation as a secure destination for investment.
The legal practitioner cited constitutional and legal provisions that have been violated, including the Land Use Act and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He also condemned use of military force to suppress lawful civilian activity and enforce the alleged illegal encroachment.
Ndarani also made several demands, including that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu call Minister Umahi to order, the Attorney-General of the Federation issue a legal clarification on the limits of federal power in land matters, and the National Assembly investigate the abuse of office and unauthorized deployment of military force against civilians.
He also demanded the immediate and safe release of Mr Olamide Obanla, who was allegedly abducted by individuals in military attire, and a review of Minister Umahi’s conduct, which he claims is jeopardising national reputation and sabotaging Nigeria’s investment appeal.
“This is a defining moment for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. We must not permit impunity, lawlessness, or abuse of public office to go unchecked. Nigeria belongs to all of us, not a privileged few with temporary power.
“We call on the media, civil society, legal community, and all patriotic Nigerians to stand in defence of the rule of law and support our clients’ just cause,” he concluded.
