The National Association of Ghanaian Communities in Nigeria (NAGHACON) has raised concerns over the safety of Ghanaians linked to JonahCapital amid the lingering River Park Estate dispute in Abuja, urging Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law and allow the courts to determine the matter without interference.
The association made the call on Thursday after its national leadership inspected facilities belonging to the Ghanaian investment firm at River Park Estate, where it alleged that the company had come under sustained pressure despite the legal dispute remaining before the courts.
Addressing journalists, NAGHACON National President, Lukman Tetteh, and General Secretary, Edwards Domfe, said the delegation visited The Gallery Clubhouse, the estate gatehouse and other JonahCapital-owned facilities to assess reports of recent developments.
According to the association, its members observed damage to some of the company’s structures and expressed concern that JonahCapital appeared to be the only business allegedly facing such actions within the estate.
The group recalled that JonahCapital had previously been investigated by the police over allegations of forgery but was later cleared by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
It also noted that although the Federal Capital Territory Administration had earlier recognised JonahCapital under the Development Lease Agreement, the dispute resurfaced after the FCT Minister declared the agreement expired, a position the company has since challenged in court.
NAGHACON maintained that with the matter already before a competent court, all parties should refrain from actions capable of undermining the judicial process.
The association warned that continued actions against the Ghanaian-backed firm could create unnecessary tension and affect the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Ghana.
Drawing attention to past xenophobic incidents in other African countries, the group urged authorities to ensure the safety of Ghanaians residing and doing business in Nigeria while the legal process runs its course.
It also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ghanaian President John Mahama to intervene diplomatically to safeguard lives, protect investments and preserve the cordial ties between both countries.
The appeal comes amid reports of an operation by armed policemen, allegedly attached to the Counter Terrorism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, at The Gallery Clubhouse in River Park Estate.
JonahCapital has condemned the operation as an unlawful invasion of its property and called for an investigation into the incident as the ownership dispute over the Abuja estate continues to generate legal and public attention.
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