River Park Dispute: NAGHACON Calls for Safety of Ghanaians, Respect for Rule of Law
The National Association of Ghanaian Communities in Nigeria (NAGHACON) has called for the protection of Ghanaians residing and doing business in Nigeria, urging authorities to respect the rule of law in the ongoing River Park Estate dispute involving Ghanaian investment firm JonahCapital.
The association made the appeal on Thursday during a press conference in Abuja after its national leadership conducted an on-the-ground assessment of facilities belonging to JonahCapital at River Park Estate.
Led by its National President, Lukman Tetteh, and General Secretary, Edwards Domfe, the delegation said it visited The Gallery Clubhouse, the estate gatehouse and other structures owned by the company to assess reports surrounding the dispute.
According to the association, members observed damage to some of the firm’s assets and expressed concern over what they described as actions targeting JonahCapital while the ownership dispute remains before the courts.
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NAGHACON noted that other businesses within River Park Estate appeared to be operating without similar disruptions, adding that it also observed barriers erected around some properties belonging to the Ghanaian-backed company.
The association recalled that JonahCapital was previously investigated over allegations of forgery but was later cleared by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
It also referenced an earlier intervention by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, which reportedly recognised JonahCapital under the Development Lease Agreement before the matter resurfaced following the FCT Minister’s declaration that the agreement had expired.
According to the group, the company has challenged that decision in court, making it imperative that all parties allow the judicial process to run its full course.
NAGHACON warned that actions capable of undermining ongoing court proceedings could heighten tensions and expose Ghanaians connected with the company to unnecessary security risks.
The association further cautioned that unresolved disputes involving foreign investors could have wider diplomatic implications if not carefully managed.
It therefore appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ghanaian President John Mahama to intervene by ensuring the safety and security of Ghanaians, protecting legitimate investments and allowing the courts to determine the matter without interference.
According to the association, respecting the rule of law remains the best path to resolving the dispute while preserving the longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Ghana.
The appeal follows reports of an operation involving armed policemen allegedly attached to the Counter Terrorism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force at River Park Estate in Lugbe, Abuja.
During the operation, officers were reportedly seen escorting a group of men to The Gallery Clubhouse, where part of the facility’s entrance was allegedly excavated.
JonahCapital has condemned the incident as an unlawful invasion of its property and called for a full investigation as the prolonged legal battle over the ownership and control of River Park Estate continues.