A civil society organisation, the Abuja Vigilance Forum, has called for an independent review of the handling of a property dispute involving a residential building in Guzape, Abuja.
In a statement made available to Blueprint.ng in Abuja on Saturday by the Abuja Vigilance Forum (AVF) and signed by its chairman Ephraim Madaki and Secretary, Comrade Bob Destiny, the group said the dispute involves 80-year-old Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac and a property at Plot 4022, Guzape, which is the subject of legal proceedings.
The organisation raised questions over forfeiture proceedings reportedly connected with the property and called for clarification on the competing ownership claims.
According to the group, Rebecca acquired the property through a transaction for which ₦110 million was paid.
It further claimed that she subsequently spent additional funds on the property before constructing a house and moving in with her family.
The group argued that the ownership claims and documents relating to the property should be thoroughly examined and determined through the appropriate legal process.
It also sought clarification on aspects of the prosecution involving Rebecca, particularly her status in relation to the disputed transaction.
Referring to what it described as a count in the EFCC’s charge, the organisation said Rebecca was presented as the person from whom money was allegedly obtained in connection with the property transaction.
The group consequently questioned why she was also facing prosecution in connection with the matter.
“If Rebecca is presented as the alleged victim of the transaction, why is she also being prosecuted in connection with it?” the group asked.
The Abuja Vigilance Forum called on relevant authorities to independently examine the competing ownership claims, transaction documents and other records relating to the property.
“Rebecca paid for the property. Rebecca built the house. Rebecca occupied it with her family. She must not remain prosecuted while questions surrounding the ownership of the property remain unresolved,” the statement said.
The group urged all parties to allow the judicial process to determine the issues surrounding the property and called for the matter to be handled fairly and transparently.