AFTER three decades of litigation by the owner of a property formerly occupied by the Nigerian Armed Forces to reclaim the property, it appears there is still a long way to realise the bid.
The affected building, formerly known as ‘Defence Building’, located at 1-3, Moloney Street, Central Lagos, originally owned by Branco family, has been a subject of litigation. It was gathered that a competent court of jurisdiction had pronounced judgment in favour of the family, but according to the available evidence, the Federal Government is yet to comply.
Although Nigerian Tribune reliably gathered that Branco family might have resolved to seek alternative dispute resolution (ADR), to end the impasse.The decision for this may not be unconnected with difficulties the family has been having over the implementation of the initial court verdict.
The 12-storey building is now used as annex office by the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
According to information gathered, when Branco family, led by Mr Simon Kouvi Kappo and two others sued the government, the subject for litigation was the term “wrongful acquisition of the property.”
The trial court, which started the hearing in 1986, concluded the matter some years ago. Part of the conclusion was a N500 million judgment sum as compensation to the plaintiffs – Branco family.
Justice Adenike Coker had in her judgment awarded a sum of N500 million against the government, being an alternative relief sought by the family.
But the government has consistently maintained that a Lagos High Court had no jurisdiction to hear and determine the suit, on the ground that the dispute involved the Federal Government’s agencies, and at a time asked the court to stay proceedings.
and then