Group Urges Transparency In Abuja Land Dispute

A civil society organisation, the Abuja Vigilance Forum (AVF), has called for a fair and independent review of the handling of a property dispute involving a residential building in Guzape, Abuja.

The group made the call in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja and signed by its chairman, Ephraim Madaki, and the secretary, Comrade Bob Destiny.

The dispute involves 80-year-old Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac and a property located at Plot 4022, Guzape, Abuja, which is currently the subject of legal proceedings.

The AVF expressed concern over forfeiture proceedings reportedly linked to the property and called for clarification of the competing claims of ownership.

The group said the ownership claims, transaction documents and other relevant records concerning the property should be thoroughly examined and determined through due legal process.

The organisation also sought clarification on aspects of the prosecution involving Rebecca, particularly her alleged status in relation to the disputed transaction.

Referring to what it described as a count in an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charge, the AVF said Rebecca was presented as the person from whom money was allegedly obtained in connection with the property transaction.

It consequently questioned why she was also being prosecuted in relation to the same matter.

“If Rebecca is presented as the alleged victim of the transaction, why is she also being prosecuted in connection with it?” the group asked.

The AVF urged the relevant authorities to independently examine the competing ownership claims, transaction documents and other records relating to the property before any final determination was made.

“Rebecca paid for the property. Rebecca built the house. Rebecca occupied it with her family. She must not remain prosecuted while questions surrounding the ownership of the property remain unresolved,” the statement said.

The group called on all parties to allow the courts to determine the issues surrounding the disputed property, stressing the need for fairness, transparency and strict adherence to due process in handling the matter.