Abuja Residents lament ‘Harassment’ Over Green Area Space Dispute

A civil society group, the Civil Society Alliance for Transparency and Development (CSATD), has urged authorities to intervene in the harassment of residents at Shell CoopEast Garden Estate in Abuja. Residents claim they are being targeted by security operatives acting for the estate developer Shell East Staff Investment Cooperative Society Limited (CoopEast) , despite a […]

A civil society group, the Civil Society Alliance for Transparency and Development (CSATD), has urged authorities to intervene in the harassment of residents at Shell CoopEast Garden Estate in Abuja.

Residents claim they are being targeted by security operatives acting for the estate developer Shell East Staff Investment Cooperative Society Limited (CoopEast) , despite a lawsuit challenging the developer’s plan to build on a designated green area.

Homeowners said they bought properties with the understanding that green space would be part of the estate but that the developer now wants to sell it, breaking the original agreement.

In December 2023, residents filed a lawsuit (FCT/HC/CV/522/23) to fight the developer’s actions.

CSATD said it is concerned that using police to harass residents undermines the legal process.

A statement signed by CSATD convener Ambassador Mohammed Basah called on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the FCDA, and the Inspector General of Police to intervene.

They urged these authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect residents’ rights, investigate the police involvement, and prevent its misuse in civil matters.

“CSATD stands with Shell CoopEast Garden Estate residents in their fight for justice.We urge all relevant authorities to ensure the rule of law is respected and that residents can live peacefully,” Ambassador Basah said.