The National Association of Ghanaian Communities in Nigeria (NAGHACON) has appealed to the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, for intervention as it raises the alarm over the ongoing structural disruptions and safety concerns targeting the JonahCapital firm at the River Park Estate in Abuja.
The Ghanaian Communities in Nigeria made the appeal at a news conference they addressed on Thursday on the issue.
the leadership of the association warned that the escalation of targeted actions against the prominent Ghanaian-backed firm could strain diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Ghana if left unchecked.
The association’s executive committee, representing Ghanaian citizens across all 36 states of Nigeria, revealed they had dispatched a delegation to Abuja to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of the unfolding situation at the estate.
The NAGHACON National President, Lukman Tetteh, and General Secretary, Edwards Domfe, stated that the group’s leadership travelled from various parts of Nigeria to assess the physical damage at the estate and stand in solidarity with the company.
They stated in a statement at the news conference: “Our first objective is to ascertain, at first hand, the incidents that have occurred at JonahCapital’s River Park Estate.
“We have had the opportunity to visit the Gallery Clubhouse and various sites, including the gatehouse and other structures belonging to JonahCapital, to witness the destruction for ourselves.”
During their inspection, the association noted a distinct pattern, pointing out that JonahCapital appeared to be uniquely targeted amid a broader ecosystem of businesses operating within the estate.
It said: “We have observed that several other companies continue to operate undisturbed within River Park Estate, except JonahCapital.
“We have also observed the various walls that have been erected around properties belonging to JonahCapital.”
The current crisis followed a string of legal and administrative hurdles JonahCapital has faced over the past year.
The association recalled that last year, a police investigation wrongly accused the company of forgery, an issue that ultimately required the intervention of the Attorney-General of the Federation, who cleared the company’s directors of any wrongdoing.
Furthermore, NAGHACON referenced previous interventions by the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that had initially brought clarity to the estate’s ownership.
“We were glad, last year, to see media reports of an interview granted by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, in which his Ministerial Committee resolved the dispute over ownership of the company and declared JonahCapital the recognised party to the Development Lease Agreement,” the statement read.
However, the dispute reignited after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, determined that the Development Lease Agreement had expired, a position JonahCapital has since legally contested.
“We are aware, too, that JonahCapital has challenged this position, and that this matter is now properly before a court of law. It is therefore deeply troubling that actions compromising the safety of the company should be taken while this process is underway,” NAGHACON noted.
Expressing deep concern over the subversion of the judicial process, NAGHACON warned that aggressive actions against Abuja’s most prominent Ghanaian business could lead to unintended, wider consequences across the West African sub-region.
The association drew a sobering parallel to historical precedents of regional unrest, urging stakeholders to handle the commercial dispute with extreme care to avoid stoking nationalist tensions.
The committee said: “Today, we are all witnesses to the xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has led to reprisals and, tragically, the deaths of African migrants.
“That unfortunate chapter began with incidents not unlike this one, and gradually grew into what we now witness.
“NAGHACON, as the principal body representing Ghanaians in Nigeria, is concerned about this possibility, as well as about the security and safety of the Ghanaians connected with this company and this estate.
“We are concerned that a matter currently before the courts is not being allowed to run its course, while these actions continue to be taken against JonahCapital’s staff and assets.”
In a direct bid to de-escalate the situation, the association has called on Presidents Tinubu and Mahama to intervene diplomatically, ensure the safety of expatriates, and allow the rule of law to prevail.
It said: “We use this medium to appeal to the Presidents of both Ghana and Nigeria to call those responsible for these actions to order, and to allow the court to determine this matter.
“We also ask that the safety and security of the Ghanaians involved be guaranteed.”
The leadership concluded with an appeal to long-standing bilateral ties, expressing hope that the intervention would “preserve the enduring brotherhood between Ghana and Nigeria”.
Several media outlets had recently reported an operation involving armed policemen at the River Park Estate in Lugbe, Abuja.
The armed policemen, allegedly attached to the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the Nigeria Police Force, were seen escorting a group of men to The Gallery Clubhouse, a recreational facility owned by Ghanaian investment company JonahCapital.
The media, both online and conventional, learnt that during the operation, part of the facility’s entrance was reportedly excavated, an action the company has described as an unlawful invasion of its property.
Witnesses further claimed that the officers prevented members of staff from interfering with the operation and declined to disclose the authority under which they were acting when questioned.