Court reserves ruling in suit challenging Wike’s ministerial committee report

Justice Mohammed Zubairu of the high court of the federal capital territory has reserved ruling in two motions seeking to be joined in a suit filed by Paulo Homes Ltd against a ministerial committee set up by Nyesom Wike, minister of the FCT.

Paulo Homes is asking the court to review and quash the committee’s report, arguing that it delved into ownership disputes over River Park Estate — a matter it said is already before other competent courts.

At Friday’s proceedings, two factions from Jonahcapital Nigeria Ltd filed separate motions — one seeking to be joined as the third respondent and another as a co-applicant in the suit.

After hearing arguments from counsel, Justice Zubairu reserved ruling and said the date would be communicated to all parties.

A.A. Malik (SAN) appeared for the applicant, while Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) represented the FCT minister and the FCTA. Sunday Ameh (SAN) represented the party seeking to be joined as the third respondent, and Ojonimi Apeh appeared for another faction seeking to be joined as co-applicant.

Apeh’s motion, supported by an 80-paragraph affidavit and 21 exhibits, sought to establish Dr. Adeniran Ogunmuyiwa as the founder of Jonahcapital. He presented police reports and court documents alleging forgery and impersonation by those claiming ownership of the company.

Ukala opposed the motion, saying it was incompetent and failed to meet the requirements of Order 13 Rule 19 of the court. Malik did not file a counter affidavit but submitted a written address urging the court to act in the interest of justice.

Apeh countered, arguing that the respondents’ filings violated the Evidence Act and that their claims amounted to hearsay. He asked the court to discountenance their submissions.

In a separate motion, Ameh sought the joinder of Jonahcapital as a third respondent, citing a 25-paragraph affidavit and four prayers. Malik opposed the motion, saying it was incompetent and that the issues raised were already before other courts.

He argued that granting the application would amount to pre-judging ongoing cases involving allegations of impersonation and corporate forgery. Malik therefore urged the court to dismiss Ameh’s motion.

Justice Zubairu said the court’s ruling on both motions would be communicated to all parties.