Residents of Shell CoopEast Garden Estate in Abuja have called on the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, and the inspector-general of police (IGP) to intervene in the alleged harassment of residents by the developer of the estate.
In a statement by the Civil Society Alliance for Transparency and Development (CSATD), on behalf of the residents and signed by its convener, Ambassador Mohammed Basah and made available to newsmen, the residents claimed they were being targeted by policemen acting for the estate developer despite a lawsuit challenging the developer’s plan to build on a designated green area.
According to the statement, “Homeowners bought properties with the understanding this green space would be part of the estate. However, the developer now wants to sell it for development, violating the original agreement.
“In December 2023, the residents filed a lawsuit (FCT/HC/CV/522/23) to challenge the developer’s actions. CSATD is concerned that using police to harass residents undermines the legal process.”
The group called on Wike, the FCDA and the IGP to intervene to uphold the rule of law and protect residents’ rights.
Ambassador Basah said, “CSATD stands with Shell CoopEast Garden Estate residents in their fight for justice. We urge all relevant authorities to ensure the rule of law is respected and that residents can live peacefully.”
