NANS Accuses Police of Attempting Illegal Property Seizure in Abuja
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has made serious allegations against the Nigeria Police Force, claiming officers attempted to unlawfully take over a property belonging to Pinnacle Communication Nigeria Limited in Abuja. The company was founded by the late media entrepreneur, Sir Lucky Omoluwa, whose estate is now at the center of this contentious dispute.
Alleged Police Invasion of Asokoro Office
According to NANS, police operatives attached to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Team invaded the company's office located at No. 4 Charles de Gaulle Street, Asokoro, on January 16 and 17, 2026. The student body, alongside civil society organizations, raised these allegations during a press conference held on Monday, detailing what they described as provocative and illegal actions by law enforcement.
NANS Secretary-General Anzaku Shedrack Ovye stated in a joint statement with Comrade Godwin Erheriene, Executive Director of Global Gender Safety and Moral Development, that "Court processes must be respected. Nigeria must not be reduced to a lawless state where force overrides the rule of law."
Ignoring Pending Court Proceedings
The association emphasized that the police actions occurred despite a pending appeal before the Federal High Court in Abuja, scheduled for hearing on January 28, 2026. NANS described the alleged attempts to enforce a disputed court order while an application for stay of execution remains before the court as a clear violation of due process and judicial protocols.
Alleged Collaboration with Former Company Official
NANS further alleged that certain police officers were acting in collaboration with Mr. Dipo Onifade, a former company secretary of Pinnacle Communication Nigeria Limited. According to the association, Onifade resigned following the death of Sir Lucky Omoluwa and had previously been arrested and charged in Lagos for allegedly impersonating the company.
The student body claimed that the former company secretary has been laying claim to the company's properties without presenting valid legal documents. NANS described this action as "attempted criminal dispossession" and questioned the legality of a former company secretary claiming ownership of a deceased person's estate while the widow and children are still alive.
Detailed Account of Alleged Invasion Attempts
Recounting the incidents, NANS provided specific details about the alleged attempts to take over the property:
- On the night of Friday, January 16, police officers allegedly attempted to climb the fence of the Asokoro property but were stopped by the presence of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel and other officers lawfully guarding the premises.
- A similar attempt was made on Saturday, January 17, but was peacefully resisted by civil society members led by Comrade Erheriene.
- The association confirmed that "These incidents were documented and remain on record."
Rejection of Disputed Judgment and Takeover Claims
NANS also rejected claims that former lawmaker Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba had been appointed through what it described as a "kangaroo judgment" to take over the late Omoluwa's private office in Asokoro. The student body insisted that such a move was unjustifiable while the deceased's immediate family members are still alive and have legitimate claims to the estate.
Calls for Action and Investigation
Condemning what it described as the weaponization of state institutions to intimidate widows, children, and lawful stakeholders, NANS made several demands:
- Immediate withdrawal of all police operatives from the property
- Strict adherence to the rule of law in handling the matter
- Independent investigation into the conduct of the IGP Monitoring Team and officers involved
Appeal to National Leadership and Civil Society
The association urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by summoning the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, recalling that the police chief had previously directed officers to stay away from land and civil disputes. NANS also called on the Nigerian Bar Association, human rights groups, civil society organizations, and the media to speak out against what they perceive as injustice.
Issuing a warning about the broader implications, NANS stated: "Today it is the Omoluwa family; tomorrow it could be anyone." The association pledged to continue resisting what it described as injustice through peaceful and lawful means, emphasizing the importance of protecting property rights and due process in Nigeria's legal system.
