El Salem Nigeria Limited has dismissed allegations of intimidation, extortion, assault and security threats made against it by a faction of homeowners in the Dr. Sanujoma Housing Estate in Galadimawa, Abuja, describing the claims as unfounded and part of a coordinated effort to damage the company’s reputation.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, a representative of the company, Michael Onyebuchi, challenged a recent report in which some residents appealed to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to intervene in what they described as persistent disputes with the estate developer.
According to Onyebuchi, the company was neither contacted nor given an opportunity to respond before the allegations were published, a development he said created a one-sided narrative of the long-running disagreement.
He maintained that El Salem’s authority to manage the estate is backed by legally binding agreements signed by homeowners prior to purchasing their properties. The agreements, he explained, contain provisions relating to infrastructure contributions, service charges and estate management responsibilities.
The company argued that service charges collected from residents are used to maintain security, infrastructure and environmental standards within the estate, adding that such arrangements are common in privately managed residential developments.
El Salem traced the origin of the dispute to efforts by some residents to take over the management of the estate through their association, a move the developer insists is contrary to the contractual obligations governing property ownership within the estate.
The firm disclosed that the matter has been the subject of litigation since 2021, noting that several of the issues now being raised publicly are already before competent courts for determination.
“The courts remain the appropriate platform for resolving these disputes,” Onyebuchi said, stressing that parties should allow the legal process to run its course rather than pursuing media campaigns.
During the briefing, the company also levelled allegations against some past and current leaders of the residents’ association, claiming that unauthorized security arrangements and other actions contributed to tensions within the estate.
To support its claims, El Salem presented what it described as documentary evidence, including court records, police reports and official correspondence relating to investigations and legal proceedings involving some members of the association.
The company further alleged that disagreements escalated after attempts were made by certain residents to remove security personnel engaged by the developer and replace them with alternative arrangements.
According to the firm, those actions created security concerns and contributed to incidents that affected peace and order within the estate.
A significant part of the company’s presentation focused on its interactions with the Legal Services Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration. El Salem said it had honoured invitations from investigators following complaints lodged against it but questioned why issues already before the courts were being subjected to parallel investigations.
The company also expressed reservations over official correspondence reportedly sent to police formations concerning the dispute and disclosed that it had petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging abuse of office and seeking a review of certain actions taken by officials.
El Salem stated that it is awaiting the outcome of the petition.
The developer also highlighted its partnership with the African University of Science and Technology, describing the estate as part of a wider academic community that accommodates university staff, researchers and students.
According to the company, the university has continued to support its management role and has not raised concerns regarding its performance under existing agreements.
Responding to claims regarding land documentation, El Salem insisted that all buyers were informed that the estate operates under a global Certificate of Occupancy structure. It explained that homeowners are entitled to deeds of sublease and related title documents rather than individual Certificates of Occupancy.
The company maintained that some residents had already received their title documents and accused critics of misrepresenting the ownership framework agreed upon at the point of purchase.
Despite the ongoing dispute, El Salem said it remains committed to dialogue and peaceful engagement. The company recalled previous reconciliation efforts, including the creation of a joint management structure and a jointly operated bank account intended to improve transparency in estate administration.
However, it said disagreements over the operation of the arrangement later reignited tensions.
Reaffirming its position, the developer called on all parties to respect contractual obligations and judicial processes, insisting that the resolution of the dispute should be left to the courts rather than fought through public campaigns.
“The rule of law must prevail,” the company stated, adding that it remains confident that the courts will provide a fair and lasting resolution to the matter.
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