The Chief Executive Officer of Winhomes Global Services Limited, Engr. Stella Okengwu, has accused the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of contempt of court over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

According to Okengwu, Umahi has blatantly disregarded a valid court order and violated due process by diverting the highway route into Winhomes’ residential development in Okun Ajah, Lagos.

In a statement, she described the Minister’s actions as a blatant show of disregard for the rule of law and a worrying abuse of official power.

“It is unacceptable for a public office holder to trample on the rights of law-abiding citizens who are contributing to Nigeria’s economy. The Minister’s continued defiance of court orders not only undermines our justice system but also paints Nigeria as a country where impunity goes unchecked,” Okengwu said.

She further revealed that despite a pending court order mandating the preservation of the status quo, construction activities have continued on the disputed site — allegedly on the orders of the Minister. “This is nothing short of contempt for the judiciary,” she added.

The legal dispute is currently before the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Akintayo Aluko, under Suit No: FHC/L/AMC/1803/2024. The case, which centers on allegations of trespass, lists several key defendants, including the Attorney General of the Federation, the Minister of Works, the Controller of Works, Lagos, Hitech Construction Company, and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State.

At the last hearing, legal proceedings were focused on a preliminary objection raised by the 1st to 3rd defendants, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case. Justice Aluko ruled that the issue of jurisdiction must be addressed before any substantive reliefs — including an injunction — can be considered.

The court also warned all parties against any conduct that might compromise the case or render the final judgment ineffective, stressing the need to preserve the “res” (subject matter) of the litigation.

Despite the court’s clear directives, Umahi has reportedly continued with the diversion and construction work on the Coastal Highway. This has left investors in the Winhomes project, many of whom are Nigerians in the diaspora, in a state of uncertainty and financial anxiety.

According to Okengwu, the development represents an estimated $250 million investment and vowed to pursue justice to its logical conclusion while urging the federal government and relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no individual is allowed to operate above it.