By Isaac Mission
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police have been urged to investigate the alleged forceful eviction of occupants from a property belonging to the Taraba State Government in Abuja.
The call was made by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations on Human Rights, Democracy and Good Governance (CCSOHRDGG) during a briefing in Abuja.
The group, led by Ambassador Timothy Ihemadu, said its intervention was not intended to determine ownership of the property or interfere in any legitimate dispute. Rather, it wants the authorities to establish whether the reported eviction was carried out in accordance with the law and whether the rights of those affected were protected.
The property, located at Plot 66, 1st Avenue, off Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, Abuja, reportedly houses Treasure Suites and other businesses.
According to the coalition, occupants were allegedly removed from the premises on August 6, 2026, resulting in the destruction or loss of assets reportedly worth billions of naira.
The organisation expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly whether the occupants were given the notices and other procedural protections required by law.
It stressed that disputes involving ownership, possession, tenancy or other interests in property should be resolved through established legal processes rather than intimidation or force.
The group said the authorities should conduct an independent and transparent investigation to determine who authorised the operation and the legal basis on which it was carried out.
It also called for clarification on whether a valid and enforceable court order existed authorising the specific actions taken during the alleged eviction.
Other questions raised by the coalition include whether law enforcement personnel participated in the operation and, if so, who directed them and under what legal authority.
The group further wants authorities to establish what happened to the properties and personal belongings of the affected occupants and whether their constitutional and legal rights were respected.
CCSOHRDGG emphasised that its intervention should not be interpreted as taking sides in the underlying property dispute.
It said any party claiming superior ownership or legal rights should be allowed to establish and enforce those rights through the courts and other lawful mechanisms.
The coalition also warned that incidents involving alleged disregard for due process could undermine public confidence and potentially affect investor confidence in Nigeria.
It therefore urged the relevant authorities to provide clear answers and ensure that the matter is resolved through lawful procedures.
