The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has appointed a receiver/manager to take possession and control of a disputed property on Molade Okoya Thomas Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, following a suit filed by Maryam Sani Abacha against Levitikal Realties & Construction Limited.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa issued the interim order on September 29, 2026, restraining Levitikal Realties, its directors, agents and representatives from selling, transferring, assigning, mortgaging, leasing, charging or otherwise dealing with the property pending further proceedings in the case.

The property, located at No. 68 Molade Okoya Thomas Street, off Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, is covered by a Certificate of Occupancy dated July 4, 1988, and registered at the Lagos State Lands Registry.

The case, marked FHC/LAG/CS/1245/2026, was instituted by Abacha, who filed an ex-parte application through her counsel, Adedayo Adesina, SAN, on September 10.

Under the order, the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, or an officer serving as Official Receiver, is to take possession, custody and control of the property pending the hearing and determination of the applicant’s motion for interlocutory injunction.

The court also approved the possible appointment of Bola Adebule & Company, Estate Surveyors and Valuers, or another suitable property management firm registered with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Agency, LASRERA, to manage the property.

The dispute reportedly stems from a 2021 joint venture agreement between Abacha and Levitikal for the redevelopment of the property into a high-rise residential development. According to an affidavit filed in support of the application, the proposed development was to include 18 three-bedroom flats, with nine units allocated to the developer as consideration for the project.

The affidavit, sworn by Sadiq Mohammed Abacha, alleged that Levitikal breached aspects of the agreement, including obligations relating to statutory approvals and completion of the development. It further stated that the joint venture agreement and power of attorney were subsequently terminated and revoked.

The affidavit also alleged that Levitikal used the property as collateral for credit facilities and continued marketing the development after the termination of the agreement. These allegations remain part of the parties’ dispute and have not been finally determined by the court.

The dispute has also involved alternative dispute-resolution proceedings, with a Notice of Dispute and Request for Mediation and/or Arbitration dated September 7, 2026, forming part of the developments surrounding the property.

The court further restrained Levitikal from holding itself out to third parties as having the capacity to sell, transfer, mortgage, lease or otherwise encumber the property.

The latest proceedings follow earlier reports that the property had attracted the attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, which reportedly marked the development in August amid an alleged investigation. The reports did not establish any final finding of wrongdoing against either party.

Justice Lewis-Allagoa also authorised Abacha to publish the court order in national newspapers and online media to notify prospective purchasers, lenders, investors and other interested parties about the pending proceedings.

The Nigeria Police Force, including the Inspector-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, as well as the EFCC and other relevant agencies, were directed to provide security and assistance in enforcing the order.
The matter has been adjourned until November 9, 2026.

The matter has been adjourned until November 9, 2026.