Justice Mohammed Madugu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Bwari, Abuja, has granted an interim injunction aimed at preventing Christ the King Catholic Church in Okene, Kogi State, and its parish priest, Reverend Father Ezekiel Awolumate, from selling properties bequeathed by the late Justice Moses Bello, a former President of the Abuja Customary Court of Appeal. The injunction arises from a legal suit filed by Ann Eniyamire, the daughter of the deceased, who claims that the distribution of her father’s estate did not follow the stipulations laid out in his will. Her father’s will apparently mandated a division of his assets among his wife and eight children, utilizing an equitable distribution formula of 11.11 percent for each party. However, Eniyamire alleges that Awolumate significantly altered this directive to just 4.16 percent, which she argues is a breach of her father’s last wishes.
In response to Eniyamire’s claims, the court has intervened by issuing prohibitive orders against the church and the priest. The specific property at the center of the dispute is located in Maitama, Abuja, identified by its cadastral details. To enforce adherence to the injunction, the court has instructed various governmental bodies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the State Security Service, and the Nigeria Police Force, to apprehend anyone who attempts to sell, lease, or mortgage the contested property. This legal action aims to secure the interests of all beneficiaries outlined in Justice Bello’s will while addressing the discrepancies reportedly introduced by the church and its representative.
Justice Madugu’s ruling includes detailed directives meant to prevent any unauthorized transactional activities concerning the property. Among these, the court has authorized Eniyamire to mark the property with red paint indicating that it is not for sale, and to affix a sign reading “NOT FOR SALE / Lis Pendens.” Moreover, the court has mandated that Eniyamire publicize the injunction through national newspapers, ensuring it reaches a wider audience and serves as a formal notice of the ongoing legal dispute.
Moreover, the court has emphasized the need to maintain the current state of affairs concerning the disputed property, highlighting the necessity for both parties to refrain from making any alterations or taking actions that might disturb the established legal framework. Justice Madugu has issued a stern warning regarding any attempts to tamper with the property markings or court orders in place, categorizing such actions as contempt of court. This robust legal stance ensures that the estates of deceased individuals, such as Justice Bello, are handled in accordance with the law and the explicit directives of their wills.
Furthermore, the injunction seeks not only to freeze actions currently in progress but also to protect the rights of the beneficiaries designated in the will—especially given the assertion that Eniyamire has been wronged in the estate distribution process. The mention of a specific percentage allocation in the will underscores the importance of adhering to these instructions, suggesting that deviations could lead to significant grievances among family members and beneficiaries. The court’s decisive action illustrates an effort to deliver justice as well as clarity in a potentially contentious family matter involving substantial assets.
In summary, this case reflects intricate legal considerations surrounding estate management, familial rights, and the critical role of the judiciary in safeguarding the principles laid out in wills. Justice Madugu’s interim injunction not only restrains the alleged violators from proceeding with the sale of the disputed property but also reinforces the importance of honoring last wills and testaments. The court’s orders are intended to preserve the status quo while the substantive suit is heard, emphasizing the balance of justice and the rights of the heirs involved.
