Abacha Family Joint Venture Dispute: Fundamental breaches supported by evidence – 18 Units partitioned into 44

The Abacha family dispute over a property in Lagos has reached a critical stage. According to court filings and evidence presented, the original agreement was for 18 three-bedroom apartments, with nine units to be built and the other nine retained by landowner Dr (Mrs) Maryam Sani Abacha. Levitikal Realties & Construction Limited has been accused of converting the development agreement into an unauthorized expansion of rights, resulting in over 44 units being partitioned.

This unilateral partitioning has raised serious questions about the developer's authority and the ownership of the additional interests. The property's partitioning has been done without the consent of the original owner, and Levitikal has allegedly taken steps to prevent Mrs Abacha from accessing the property. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is already investigating the sale of the partitioned units to unsuspecting third parties.

The dispute has been taken to the High Court of Lagos State, with Providus Bank Limited initiating legal action against Levitikal. An interim order was issued on September 29, 2026, appointing a receiver/manager to take possession of the property, pending the resolution of the arbitration proceedings. Levitikal, its directors, agents, and representatives have been restrained from selling, transferring, assigning, mortgaging, leasing, charging, or encumbering the property.

This case highlights a broader issue for Nigeria's real estate sector regarding the rights granted to developers under joint venture agreements. If any of the units has been sold, purchasers should closely follow the proceedings, as the outcome could significantly impact their interests in the property.