A major property dispute in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory has attracted international attention following allegations by Ghanaian-owned real estate developer JonahCapital Nigeria Limited that its assets, staff, and business operations have come under sustained attack amid an ongoing disagreement with authorities over the ownership and control of portions of River Park Estate in Abuja.
Speaking on The Pulse, a flagship current affairs programme on Joy TV in Ghana on July 2, 2026, the Chief Executive Officer of JonahCapital, Kojo Ansah Mensah, alleged that recent incidents involving the company’s properties and personnel were linked to actions undertaken following directives issued by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to Mr. Mensah, JonahCapital had previously petitioned the FCT Administration regarding competing ownership claims and alleged encroachments affecting parts of River Park Estate, a large mixed-use residential development located in Abuja. He stated that following the petitions, a Ministerial Committee was established to review the matter and that the committee’s findings publicly recognized JonahCapital as the leaseholder and developer of the estate.
However, Mr. Mensah claimed that the dispute escalated after the FCT Minister publicly asserted that the Development Lease Agreement relating to River Park Estate had expired and was therefore revoked by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). JonahCapital has challenged that position in court and maintains that the lease remains valid and enforceable.
The company alleges that despite the matter being before the courts, individuals accompanied by armed security personnel entered portions of River Park Estate and commenced activities on land and facilities claimed by JonahCapital. Mr. Mensah specifically alleged that the operation was led by ACP Muhammed Ayi Musa, Chief Security Officer to the FCT Minister, together with persons he described as hired thugs.
Mr. Mensah referenced videos circulating on social media which appear to show individuals occupying parts of the company’s recreational facility known as The Gallery Clubhouse, a multipurpose leisure and entertainment centre within River Park Estate. He alleged that the facility was invaded and that construction activities subsequently commenced on portions of the property.
According to JonahCapital, the incidents began on June 27, 2026, when the estate’s gatehouse was allegedly destroyed during a nighttime operation. The company further claims that a second incident occurred on July 1, 2026, involving the occupation of portions of The Gallery Clubhouse by individuals it describes as unauthorized occupants.
Mr. Mensah characterized the actions as discriminatory and questioned why, in his view, other developers operating within River Park Estate have continued their activities uninterrupted while JonahCapital’s projects have allegedly been singled out for enforcement actions. He further alleged that the company, which has Ghanaian ownership, has been subjected to vicious attacks that raises concerns about discrimination against foreign investors operating in Nigeria.
The JonahCapital CEO disclosed that the matter has been reported to the Ghana High Commission in Abuja and stated that representatives of the mission have been briefed on developments and have observed aspects of the situation firsthand.
Mr. Mensah also commended the efforts of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Sanusi, for interventions aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order. He nevertheless appealed for additional security protection for the company’s employees, contractors, residents, and business operations pending judicial determination of the dispute.
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The controversy has generated discussion among legal analysts, governance observers, and members of the Ghanaian business community, many of whom have expressed concern about the potential implications for investor confidence and bilateral commercial relations between Ghana and Nigeria. Several commentators have noted the importance of preserving the longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between both countries while ensuring that disputes are resolved through lawful and transparent processes.
In a related development, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated in a public communication issued on July 2, 2026, that efforts were underway to engage relevant stakeholders with a view toward resolving the matter peacefully.
The dispute remains the subject of ongoing legal proceedings, and interested parties continue to await further clarification from the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the Federal Capital Development Authority, and other relevant parties.
