By Huldah Shado
Shop owners and tenants at CVS Plaza, a prominent commercial complex in Abuja, staged a peaceful protest on Tuesday to demand justice after enduring what they described as five years of legal neglect, systemic oppression, and blatant property rights violations.
Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved occupants, Comrade Oluoha Godwin Chukwudi described the situation as “a disturbing case of systemic oppression, property rights violations, and outright defiance of court orders” affecting over 50 shop units.
According to Chukwudi, the problem began when shops were lawfully sold to sitting tenants by agents duly authorized by the management of CVS Plaza.
“These buyers, having paid fully for the units, assumed ownership and operated their businesses accordingly.
However, in a shocking twist, the plaza was later resold en bloc to a third party, with no regard for the prior legal agreements with individual shop owners,” he said.
The group alleges that the new buyer, along with CVS Plaza officials, ignored existing legal proceedings and court orders.
“Despite ongoing litigation, they have taken matters into their own hands-locking out shop owners, harassing occupants, and disregarding judicial summons,” Chukwudi added.
He emphasized that even after a court issued summons and condemned the actions of the new buyer and plaza administrators, the orders have not been enforced, raising concerns about the erosion of trust in the judiciary and rule of law.
The protesters are calling for urgent judicial intervention, urging the courts to expedite hearings and issue protective orders for rightful owners.
They also appealed to the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organizations, and the media to amplify their voices and hold the perpetrators accountable.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Chukwudi declared. “For over five years, we have chosen the path of peace and followed all legal procedures. Yet, we are continuously met with impunity, injustice, and silence.”
The group further urged the Nigeria Police Force and the FCT Administration to conduct a thorough investigation and prosecute all those involved in what they termed a calculated attack on private property and constitutional rights.
The case has brought renewed attention to the challenges facing commercial property owners in Nigeria, especially regarding tenure security, enforcement of contracts, and the protection of investors from exploitation and abuse.
