Group urges presidential intervention in developer, diaspora investors case

A group of concerned Nigerians has urged urgent presidential intervention in the case involving Winhomes Global Services Limited and diaspora investors affected by the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road project.

The group, known as Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has raised concerns over what it has described as a troubling and prolonged case of alleged injustice, noting that the situation poses a direct threat to Nigeria’s credibility as a lawful and investment-friendly nation.

The group at a press conference in Abuja a couple of days ago, stated that after over two years of consistent monitoring, engagements, and independent reviews, it has become evident that the matter has been left unresolved for far too long, thereby undermining public trust in governance and the rule of law.

HURIWA said that available records and interactions with concerned parties reveal that despite repeated submissions of documents and multiple engagements with relevant authorities, including invitations extended to affected diaspora investors to return to Nigeria for dialogue, there has been no conclusive resolution or payment of compensation to Winhomes.

“We are concerned that what should have been a straightforward administrative and legal matter has lingered for over 24 months without closure, raising questions about whether the delay is a result of bureaucratic inefficiency or indicative of deeper systemic issues that must be urgently addressed,” Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, noted.

He drew attention to a widely circulated video in which David Umahi, Minister of Works, reportedly stated publicly that he personally ordered the demolition of the Winhomes Estate, clarifying that the directive did not emanate from the President.

According to HURIWA, this revelation introduces serious constitutional and administrative questions regarding the exercise of authority and adherence to due process in matters affecting private investments.

The association stressed that such a public admission, if accurately represented, necessitates immediate clarification from the highest levels of government to determine whether due process was followed, and whether the actions taken were consistent with established legal and institutional frameworks.

HURIWA emphasized that the case also highlights a broader and deeply concerning pattern in which a Nigerian diaspora investor (reported to be a woman who mobilized significant foreign direct investment into the country) has allegedly faced demolition of her investment, reputational damage, and prolonged delays in obtaining redress.

The association warned that any perception of targeted victimization, whether real or inferred, would significantly erode investor confidence and damage Nigeria’s global standing.

The civil rights body stated that the implications of the unresolved dispute extend far beyond the immediate parties involved, noting that Nigeria’s ability to attract and retain both local and foreign investments depends heavily on the assurance of legal protection, transparency, and timely dispute resolution.

“Investors will be reluctant to commit resources to an environment where due process appears uncertain, where executive powers may override established legal safeguards, and where compensation for government actions is perceived as discretionary rather than obligatory,” Onwubiko stated.

He noted that the facts surrounding the case are already in the public domain, with video evidence, official statements, and eyewitness accounts widely accessible, thereby attracting both national and international attention, warning that continued inaction risks reinforcing negative perceptions about governance and accountability in Nigeria.

In light of these developments, HURIWA called President Bola Tinubu to immediately intervene in the matter to ensure a fair, transparent, and timely resolution, urging him to clarify the extent of authorization granted for the demolition, determine whether proper procedures were followed, and ensure that all affected parties receive full and just compensation without further delay.

HURIWA also called on the Federal Ministry of Works to provide a comprehensive and transparent account of the circumstances surrounding the demolition, including the legal basis for the action and the processes undertaken prior to its execution.

Furthermore, the association urged relevant anti-corruption and oversight agencies to initiate an independent investigation into the case to ascertain whether there was any abuse of office, conflict of interest, or violation of constitutional provisions.

HURIWA reiterated that Nigeria cannot afford to project an image of a nation where investments can be destroyed without accountability and where prolonged silence follows actions with far-reaching economic consequences. It stressed that leadership must be demonstrated through decisive action that upholds justice, protects investors, and reinforces the supremacy of the rule of law.

The association also called on the international community and Nigerians in the diaspora to remain engaged and vigilant, noting that issues of this nature have far-reaching implications for global investment flows and the perception of Nigeria as a viable destination for business.

HURIWA affirmed its commitment to continued monitoring of the situation and pledged to sustain advocacy efforts until justice is achieved and institutional accountability is ensured.

The association believes that justice delayed in matters of this magnitude not only denies affected parties their rightful remedies, but also erodes confidence in governance, weakens economic prospects, and diminishes Nigeria’s standing in the global community.