Abacha, Levitikal Property Dispute: Court Appoints Receiver, Freezes Dealings

The Federal High Court in Lagos has appointed a receiver to take possession and control of a disputed property on Victoria Island, while restraining Levitikal Realties & Construction Limited from dealing with the asset pending further proceedings.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa made the interim order in Suit No. FHC/LAG/CS/1245/2026, filed by Dr (Mrs) Maryam Sani Abacha against Levitikal Realties.

The disputed property is located at 68 Molade Okoya Thomas Street, off Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island.

The judge appointed the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, or any officer serving as Official Receiver, as Receiver/Manager to take possession, custody and control of the property until the hearing and determination of Abacha’s application for an interlocutory injunction.

Alternatively, the court approved the appointment of Bola Adebule & Company, Estate Surveyors & Valuers, or another reputable property management firm registered with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Agency (LASRERA).

Justice Lewis-Allagoa also restrained Levitikal, its directors, agents, representatives and anyone acting through the company from selling, transferring, assigning, mortgaging, leasing, charging, alienating or otherwise encumbering the property.

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The judge further stopped the company from taking any action that could interfere with, dissipate, transfer, sell or otherwise prejudice the property.

The court also barred Levitikal from representing to any third party that it owns the property or has authority to sell, transfer, mortgage, lease or otherwise encumber it.

The order followed an ex parte application filed by Mrs Abacha on September 10 through her counsel, Adedayo Adesina (SAN).

The property is covered by a Certificate of Occupancy dated July 4, 1988, registered as No. 32 at Page 32 in Volume 1988B of the Lagos State Lands Registry.

Court documents indicate that the dispute arose from a joint venture to develop a high-rise property on the site. The landowner later terminated the agreement, alleging fundamental breaches by Levitikal.

These allegations form part of the ongoing dispute, and the court has not yet finally determined them.

The dispute has also entered alternative dispute resolution, with a Notice of Dispute and Request for Mediation and/or Arbitration dated September 7, 2026.

Levitikal Group identifies Dr Samuel Mawuyon Ajose as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

The property had earlier attracted attention following reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission marked the development with a warning directing people to keep off amid an alleged investigation.

The reported EFCC action is separate from the present civil proceedings.

To alert third parties to the litigation, the court authorised Abacha to publish the orders in national newspapers and online media circulating in Nigeria.

The judge also directed the Nigeria Police Force, including the Inspector-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, as well as the EFCC and other relevant agencies, to provide security and assistance in implementing and enforcing the orders.

The court reached its decision after considering the affidavit supporting the application, sworn to by Sadiq Mohammed Abacha, and filed by Adesina.

The matter has been adjourned to November 9, 2026.