A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered all parties involved in the ongoing ownership dispute over River Park Estate to maintain the status quo. This followed an application made by counsel to Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited, the Claimant, regarding the processing of land documents such as the Right of Occupancy (RFO) and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
The court also granted several applications and issued a clear warning against any interference with the disputed property pending final resolution.
Court Grants Amendment of Defendant’s Name
One of the key developments in court was the approval of an application to amend the name of the first defendant. The claimant’s counsel, John Idoko Esq clarified that the name initially filed, Dunamis International Christian Center—was incorrect and needed to be changed to the legally recognized Registered Trustees of Dunamis International Church.
“The amendment aligns with the rules of court and ensures that the right legal entity is held accountable,” Idoko explained to Reporters outside the courtroom.
He also noted that the court refused to hear submissions from an individual claiming to be a majority shareholder in Jonah Capital because he was not formally joined as a party in the case.
Status Quo Order Reaffirmed
The most critical part of the day’s proceedings was the court’s order for all parties—including the Honourable Minister of FCT to maintain status quo. This specifically relates to the ongoing controversies around the issuance and processing of land documents within River Park Estate, a high-profile real estate development in the FCT.
Dunamis Church Counsel Responds
Speaking on behalf of Dunamis, Barrister Felix Tyokase said his clients were not opposing the amendment and dismissed claims that they were encroaching on the property.
“That order to maintain status quo was already given as far back as January. We are not doing anything on their land, and the claimant has shown no proof of any interference,” Tyokase said.
He also clarified that the pending application concerning the internal dispute within Jonah Capital regarding its structure and shareholders would be addressed at the next hearing. According to him, that matter does not directly involve Dunamis.
Background of the Dispute
The case revolves around contested land ownership of River Park Estate, a sprawling private estate off the Airport Road in Abuja. The estate has attracted intense interest from developers, investors, and high-ranking individuals in recent years, increasing its commercial and legal stakes.
Jonah Capital, which claims proprietary interest in major parts of the estate, has accused Dunamis of illegally taking control of sections of the land and using it as an extension of its parking space. The religious organization has denied all allegations, stating that it is lawfully occupying the land allocated to it by the authorities.
The added involvement of a federal minister, mentioned by the court in its order, suggests the matter may have wider political and administrative dimensions.
Implications Going Forward
Legal analysts say the court’s directive to maintain status quo is critical in preventing potential abuse or manipulation of land titles while the substantive case is still being determined.
“This is not just a legal issue—it’s a governance issue,” said Barrister Amaka Ogbonna, a real estate law expert. “Disputes like this reflect deeper problems in the land administration system in Nigeria, especially in the FCT, where overlapping claims and political influence often complicate legal clarity.”
For now, all eyes remain on whether parties will comply with the court’s order—and whether further legal or political developments will emerge in the weeks ahead.
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