The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) is demanding the immediate release of the prominent Lagos-based businessman and CEO of Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Ltd, Hon. Saheed Abdullahi Mosadoluwa.
The human rights group strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest and unlawful detention of the businessman, who has been held at the former SARS detention facility since January 21st, 2024.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, HURIWA National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, called on President Tinubu to instruct the Inspector General to address the abuse of power.
The group has given the IGP a 48-hour ultimatum to release the businessman; otherwise, they will stage a protest at the Force headquarters.
Discussing the legal controversy, Harmony Gardens issued a pre-action notice to Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu, and Oba Kamarudeen Animashaun of Epe, among others.
The notice accuses them of orchestrating the prolonged detention, alleging continuous trespass and the use of influence with the Inspector General of Police to forcefully take over Harmony Gardens’ investments.
Harmony Gardens and its affiliated real estate entities claim investments worth billions in Eyin-Osa, Yegunda, and Abomiti resettlement schemes.
The pre-action notice accuses the defendants of criminal conversion and reselling 94 hectares of land, emphasizing Harmony Gardens’ legal right with a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) – No: 33/33/2022.
Emmanuel further stated that the letter alleges collaboration between the defendants and the police hierarchy, specifically IGP Egbetokun, to seize the land and detain the company director under the guise of ongoing investigations.
Harmony Gardens vows to resist intimidation, threats, or manipulation, asserting its commitment to protecting its investment through legal means.
The notice points fingers at Oba Kamarudeen Animashaun for causing divisions by reselling resettlement land and accuses the Eyin-Osa Resettlement Committee of complicity.
It concludes by urging Oba Sikiru Adetona to use his royal duties to resolve the dispute or face legal action within the law.
Copies of the notice were sent to the Attorney General of Lagos, the Chairman of Eyin Osa Resettlement Committee, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Egbetokun. Despite court orders and rulings, the company claims the IGP directed various police formations not to investigate their counter-petition on land grabbing.
As tensions escalate, this legal battle is poised to be a complex and prolonged affair, with potential implications for the broader real estate landscape in the region. The unfolding days may provide clarity on how this dispute will navigate the courts.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
