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 has 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 briefing in Abuja yesterday, 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 demolished 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.