By PAUL ADAJI, Abuja –
The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations on Human Rights, Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria has demanded an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the alleged forceful eviction of occupants of Treasure Suites, located at Plot 66, 1st Avenue, off Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, Abuja.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja during the week, the National Coordinator of the Coalition, Ambassador Timothy Ihemadu, lamented that the incident had raised serious concerns over the rule of law, due process and protection of property rights.
According to the group, occupants of Treasure Suites were on August 6, 2026, not only forcibly removed from the premises, but there are also allegations concerning intimidation, interference with possession, destruction or loss of property and the involvement of persons claiming to be acting pursuant to interests associated with the Taraba State Government.
“These are serious allegations. However, the Coalition is careful to distinguish allegations from judicially established facts. That is precisely why we are demanding an independent, transparent and credible investigation,” Ambassador Ihemadu explained.
- IHEMADU
He said the coalition was calling for an investigation to establish who authorized the operation, the legal authority relied upon, whether a court order existed to the effect and if so, who authorized the order.
The coalition further demanded clarification over the alleged involvement of security and law-enforcement personnels in the operation urging the Inspector-General of Police, other concerned authorities to establish the identities of the officers involved and the legal authority under which they acted.
Stressed the need for law-enforcement agencies to uphold the law and protect citizens rights rather than determine property disputes outside established legal processes, Ihemadu said it was necessary for any loss or destruction incurred during the forceful eviction – being personal or business property of affected occupants – should be properly documented and investigated.
He added that appropriate restitution, compensation or other remedies should follow if loss or damage established and liability determined in accordance with the law.
The Coalition also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that federal institutions saddled with the responsibility on human rights protection wades into the investigation and bring perpetrators to face the full wrath of the law.
“We want President Tinubu’s led-administration to handle this matter professionally, impartially without political interference. Nigeria’s efforts to attract domestic and foreign investment to strengthen democratic institutions depended on respect for property rights, contractual obligations, due process and the integrity of institutions responsible for administering justice.
The Coalition, said it would continue to monitor developments and pursue peaceful and constitutional means of advocacy calling on all parties to submit their claims to the appropriate judicial and administrative processes, urging authorities to investigate the allegations, establish the truth and protect affected persons.
Asked whether the Coalition was accusing the Taraba State Government of illegally evicting the tenants, Ihemadu said, “we are not sitting as a court, and we will not prejudge the outcome of any investigation.”
According to him, “Our question is straightforward: Was the eviction conducted pursuant to lawful authority and due process? If the Taraba State Government or any other party possesses superior title or a lawful right to possession, that right should be enforced through the procedures established by Nigerian law. Ownership of property does not automatically confer a right to disregard due process.”
Clarifying that the coalition was not disputing the ownership of Treasure Suites, Ihemadu said: “The Coalition’s intervention is not intended to determine ownership, title, tenancy or contractual rights. Those questions belong before a court of competent jurisdiction. Our concern is whether the methods allegedly employed to obtain possession complied with the law and respected the constitutional rights of the affected persons.
On whether the Coalition had any evidence that an illegal eviction occurred during process, he said the group had received representations, documents, photographs, videos and accounts concerning what allegedly occurred.
He noted, however, that civil society should not replace law-enforcement agencies or the judiciary, adding that this informed the call for an independent investigation capable of determining: “Who authorised the operation? What legal instrument authorised it? Was there a valid and enforceable court order? Were appropriate notices served? Who participated in the operation? And what happened to the assets and personal property reportedly affected? Those questions require authoritative answers.”
