The Abacha family, including Nigeria’s former First Lady, Hajia Mariam Sani Abacha, and her son, Mohammed Sani Abacha, has appealed to the Court of Appeal in Abuja, seeking to recover a property allegedly revoked unlawfully by the Federal Government.
The property, located in the Maitama District of Abuja, was reportedly sold to Salamed Ventures Limited without the Abacha family’s knowledge.
The family aims to overturn the Federal High Court’s decision from May 19, 2024, which dismissed their case.
They argue that Justice Peter Lifu, who dismissed the suit, erred in his judgment, including rulings on jurisdiction and the family’s standing to sue.
Key arguments in the appeal include:
Jurisdiction Issues: The Abacha family claims that the judge wrongly ruled their case as dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction rather than struck out, contradicting previous court decisions on the matter.
Locus Standi: They argue that they have the legal standing to file the suit as representatives of the late General Sani Abacha’s estate, disputing the judge’s decision that they lacked authority.
Statute of Limitations: The family disputes the ruling that their case was statute-barred, emphasizing that their legal action was timely following a Court of Appeal decision in 2015.
.Sale During Litigation: The family argues against the sale of the property to Salamed Ventures Limited during ongoing litigation, claiming it violated legal principles.
Revocation Validity:They challenge the legality of the property’s revocation and subsequent sale, arguing it was not conducted in line with the Land Use Act requirements for public interest.
The Abacha family is seeking the Court of Appeal to annul the lower court’s ruling and address the issues they have raised, including the revocation process and compensation for the property.