A protracted land dispute in Abuja involving real estate firm Homadil Realty Limited and the family of the late civil servant, Colleen Mero Yesufu, has raised broader concerns about the impartiality of government institutions, media conduct, and the role of law enforcement in civil matters.

At the centre of the legal battle are Homadil Realty CEO, Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac, and her husband, Isaac Ishaku Yusuf. The duo is engaged in a court dispute over the ownership of plots of land in the Guzape and Katampe districts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The contested plots—4022A09 in Guzape and Plots 1861 and 1862 in Katampe—were reportedly acquired by Homadil through legally recognised channels, supported by documentation from the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS).

Records indicate that the Guzape property was originally allocated to Amina Usman Musa before being transferred to Rychado Homes and subsequently to Homadil. Similarly, the Katampe plots were obtained from May Estate Agency and Fafam Nigeria Ltd. The real estate firm asserts that all transactions followed due process in line with FCTA regulations.

However, the Yesufu family has challenged the legitimacy of these claims, alleging fraud, forgery, and misconduct. The dispute escalated in late 2023 when the family issued public petitions—some addressed to top government officials—accusing Homadil of land grabbing. These allegations gained traction on blogs and social media, triggering reputational damage for Homadil and its leadership.

Following the petitions, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched an investigation, reportedly arresting some of Homadil’s staff, freezing the company’s accounts, and seizing the passports of its directors. Critics have questioned the EFCC’s approach, describing the actions as premature and lacking a court ruling.

In contrast, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which also received petitions on the matter, adopted a more restrained, evidence-driven approach. Its investigation reportedly found no immediate evidence of criminal wrongdoing and advised that the matter be settled in civil court. The Nigerian Police also treated the case as a civil matter, arraigning parties without media engagement or public declarations of guilt.

The controversy has sparked debates over the influence of legacy connections within public institutions. The Yesufu family, which includes prominent individuals from a long-standing FCTA bureaucratic background, has been accused by some stakeholders of using influence to sway public perception and delay administrative processes.

Homadil Realty has maintained its innocence, pledging full cooperation with investigative bodies and stressing its commitment to due process. The company said it has submitted all relevant documentation and avoided public rebuttals, opting instead for judicial resolution.

Media conduct in the case has also been criticised, with some outlets accused of publishing unverified allegations against Homadil without seeking the company’s response.

Beyond legal ramifications, the dispute has had significant human and economic costs. Homadil has reported disruptions to construction projects, staff detentions, halted operations, and dwindling investor confidence. As a company providing housing and employment to hundreds, the fallout of the conflict poses wider implications for Abuja’s real estate sector and public trust in institutional fairness.

Despite the turbulence, the firm says it remains committed to legal recourse. “We believe in the courts. We believe in the Constitution. And we trust that the facts will prevail,” Homadil said in a statement.