Contempt Case: Court Adjourns Lagos Residents’ Dispute to May

Uzoma Mba 

A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned proceedings in a contempt case involving the Incorporated Trustees of Divine Homes Residents’ Association and several individuals to May 11 and 12, 2026. 

Presiding judge, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, fixed the new dates after observing that a number of persons listed in the proceedings were not present in court despite an earlier directive requiring their attendance.

The contempt proceedings were initiated by a resident, Mr. Henry Uche Nwabueze, in connection with an ongoing leadership dispute within the estate.

At the resumed hearing, counsel representing some of the respondents, Mr. Abdullahi Tony Dania, informed the court that issues relating to the dispute are also before the Court of Appeal. 

He told the court that his clients had filed a preliminary objection challenging the suit and urging the court to consider jurisdictional and procedural matters before proceeding further.

Dania further argued that there were concerns about the manner in which certain applications were filed in the case, particularly ex parte motions that resulted in interim orders affecting the association. He maintained that some parties affected by those orders were not notified before the decisions were made.

According to him, one of the orders referenced in the proceedings involved restrictions placed on the association’s bank accounts. He urged the court to review the circumstances surrounding the issuance of such orders as part of the broader consideration of the matter.

Another defence counsel, Mr. Valentine Agwu, also addressed the court, raising concerns about the multiplicity of legal actions connected to the dispute. He called for clarity and consistency in the handling of related cases across different courts and institutions.

In response, counsel to the applicant, Mr. Rotimi Adalumo, rejected the concerns raised by the defence and maintained that his client had followed lawful procedures in seeking judicial intervention.

A related issue discussed during the proceedings centred on questions raised by the defence regarding previous legal representations in matters connected to the dispute. The court did not make any determination on that issue at the sitting.

In his remarks, Justice Lewis-Allagoa emphasised that his earlier order requiring the attendance of all parties named in the contempt proceedings remains valid. He stressed that their presence in court is necessary for the proper consideration of pending applications and to ensure fairness in the process.

Although the judge noted the absence of some individuals listed in the proceedings, he granted additional time for compliance and adjourned the matter to allow all parties the opportunity to appear and present their positions.

During the session, the court registrar also drew attention to a fresh ex parte application filed by the applicant’s counsel. The application was subsequently withdrawn by counsel and struck out by the court.

The case is expected to resume in May, when the court will consider the contempt claims alongside the preliminary objections raised by the respondents, as the legal process surrounding the estate dispute continues.