….No arbitrary action, due process followed, FG reacts

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for an independent investigation into the demolition of a $250 million estate linked to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project.

But the Federal Government in swift reaction defended the action, insisting that there was no arbitrariness in the process and that all decisions were guided by due process, technical considerations and constitutional provisions.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the National Coordinator of the group, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, described the development as a troubling case of unresolved injustice with far-reaching implications for investor confidence.

Onwubiko said the demolition of the WINHOMES Global Services Limited estate, reportedly funded largely by Nigerians in the diaspora raises serious concerns about due process and adherence to the rule of law.

He said the estate, valued at $250 million, was pulled down without compensation to investors, despite repeated engagements with relevant authorities over the past two years.

According to him, the lingering dispute undermines the Federal Government’s ongoing push to attract foreign and diaspora investments into the country.

“Presidents have consistently urged Nigerians abroad to bring investments home, but incidents like this send the wrong signal.

“Here is a case where a developer mobilised diaspora funds into a major real estate project, only for it to be demolished without compensation,” Onwubiko said.

He noted that after more than 24 months of monitoring the case, reviewing documents, and interfacing with stakeholders, there has been no concrete resolution or payment to affected investors.

The group expressed concern that what should ordinarily be a straightforward administrative and legal matter has dragged on for too long, raising questions about possible bureaucratic lapses or deeper systemic issues.

It also drew attention to a widely circulated video in which the Minister of Works, David Umahi, reportedly stated that he personally ordered the demolition of the estate, noting that the directive did not come from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

HURIWA said the statement, if accurately represented, introduces significant constitutional and administrative concerns regarding the exercise of authority in matters affecting private investments.

“If such an admission is correct, then it becomes imperative to establish whether due process was followed and whether the action aligns with existing legal frameworks,” Onwubiko stated.

The association warned that the case reflects a broader pattern that could discourage both local and foreign investors, particularly where government projects intersect with private developments.

It stressed that investors require guarantees of legal protection, transparency and prompt resolution of disputes, adding that any perception of arbitrariness or disregard for due process could damage Nigeria’s global reputation.

HURIWA further urged the Federal Ministry of Works to provide a comprehensive account of the circumstances surrounding the demolition, including the legal basis for the action and steps taken prior to its execution.

The group also called on anti-corruption and oversight agencies to launch an independent probe into the matter to determine whether there was any abuse of office, conflict of interest or violation of constitutional provisions.

In addition, it appealed to President Tinubu to intervene directly by clarifying the level of authorisation granted for the demolition and ensuring that all affected investors receive full compensation without further delay.

HURIWA maintained that continued silence on the matter risks reinforcing negative perceptions about governance and accountability in the country.

“Justice delayed in a matter of this magnitude not only denies victims their rights but also erodes confidence in governance and weakens Nigeria’s economic prospects,” Onwubiko added.

The association pledged to sustain its advocacy on the issue until justice is served and accountability ensured, warning that the outcome of the case will have lasting implications for Nigeria’s investment climate and international image.

No arbitrary action, due process followed, FG insists

Responding to the allegations, the
Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Francis Nwaze, dismissed claims of unlawful demolition, insisting that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project followed due process, technical coordination, and constitutional authority.

“It has become both necessary and urgent to set the record straight with verifiable facts before Nigerians and the global community, because a project of this national significance cannot be reduced to emotional claims that ignore legal authority, engineering realities, and constitutional responsibility,” Nwaze said.

He explained that the decision affecting the frontage portion of the WinHomes property was not a personal action by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, nor an isolated administrative directive.

He said the alignment process was jointly handled by technical experts from Lagos State Government agencies, including the Lagos State Land Bureau, Ministry of Physical and Urban Planning, Office of the Surveyor-General, Ministry of Works, and the New Town Development Authority.

According to him, the process was a coordinated engineering exercise involving multiple institutions rather than individual discretion.

He further explained that several route adjustments were made during planning to protect critical infrastructure and reduce large-scale demolition.

“At approximately kilometre 13, the alignment encountered over 200 high-value residential buildings within Ocean Bay Estate, some valued above N500 million each. A diversion was necessary to reduce compensation burden and avoid mass demolition,” he said.

He added that at kilometre 16, engineers received a technical alert regarding sensitive submarine telecommunications infrastructure linked to MTN’s 2Africa cable, warning that disruption could affect national digital connectivity.

Nwaze also clarified that only about 4 hectares of the WinHomes land out of over 12 hectares fell within the right-of-way, leaving a majority of the property untouched.

He insisted that no entire estate was demolished, but only frontage fencing and undeveloped portions were affected, adding that compensation offers were extended but allegedly declined by representatives of the developer.

He further maintained that over 500 structures across the broader corridor have been affected, with compensation processes applied in line with federal guidelines.