‘Let the court decide’ — Abuja developer condemns ‘smear campaign’ over land dispute

Rebecca Godwin-Isaac, chief executive officer of Homadil Realty Limited, a real estate firm, has condemned what she described as “smear campaigns” against her over a land dispute in Abuja.

Godwin-Isaac and Isaac Ishaku Yusuf, her husband, are at the centre of a legal dispute with 79-year-old Colleen Mero Yesufu over ownership of three plots of land in Abuja.

The case involves Plot 4022A09 in Guzape and Plots 1861 and 1862 in Katampe Main in the federal capital territory (FCT).

Yesufu had challenged the ownership of the land, accusing Godwin-Isaac and her company of wrongdoing and petitioning government agencies.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched an investigation into the matter.

In a statement on Thursday, Godwin-Isaac said the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the police have also investigated the case and advised that the matter is civil and not criminal in nature.

Godwin-Isaac said she and her company have fully cooperated with investigators and have confidence in the court process, as the case is currently before the FCT high court.

She said the matter has, however, turned to “a coordinated public assault and systemic imbalance fueled by media, bureaucracy, and selective law enforcement”.

“What began as a civil ownership dispute has escalated into a media campaign, apparently designed to destroy reputations, freeze business activities, and stifle legal defense,” she said.

“This parcel of land was originally allocated by the FCT to Amina Usman Musa, who is legally recorded as the first allottee. Amina, in line with the law, transferred her interest to Arch. Richard John Idakwagi of Rychado Homes, who in turn sold the land to Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac, CEO of Homadil Realty Ltd. All transfers were supported by verifiable documents: Power of Attorney, AGIS land documents, and receipts for fees and taxes paid. The transaction was transparent, legal, and verified through Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS).

“Notably, both ICPC and the Nigerian Police Force, in their respective investigations, identified no wrongdoing and urged that the matter be handled within the purview of civil litigation, not criminal prosecution.

“The ICPC received formal petitions regarding the same plots in question and proceeded to examine all documents, including land transaction records, AGIS certifications, and power of attorney instruments.

“Findings outlined in the ICPC’s affidavit submitted to the High Court of the FCT demonstrated the following: That one party had used unclear, inconsistent addresses, causing delays in legal service; that the search for the original allottee, Amina Usman Musa, was not conclusive but raised no immediate evidence of fraud; that registry errors and administrative gaps could not justify the criminalization of property transfers made in good faith; that the documents used by the applicants had not been forensically disproven, making accusations premature and unsubstantiated.

“It was further observed that the applicants had not committed any offence beyond what was already before the court, and any overlapping action could undermine judicial integrity. ICPC therefore advised all parties to maintain respect for the sub judice principle and refrain from actions that could prejudice ongoing legal proceedings.

“This is all Homadil Realty and Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac have ever asked: a fair process, driven by facts—not fear, not favoritism, and certainly not falsehoods.

“Throughout this ordeal, Rebecca and her team at Homadil Realty have responded with restraint and respect for due process. They have submitted every requested document to the EFCC, ICPC, Nigerian Police, and AGIS; honoured every court date and refused to engage in personal attacks; provided verified records showing how each plot was acquired, paid for, and registered. Their demand is simple: Let the courts decide. Let fairness, not legacy or influence, determine ownership.”

Godwin-Isaac said she believes the court will do justice to the matter and the truth will prevail.

“We will not be bullied into silence. We trust the courts, we trust the constitution, and we trust that truth, in the end, must prevail,” she said.

“This is not merely about personal redemption. It is about setting a national precedent that rights can still triumph over influence, that courts must be the final arbiter — not the court of public opinion manipulated by legacy networks.

“To every aspiring entrepreneur, to every reform-minded leader, and to every citizen who believes in the supremacy of law, the Homadil story is your story. The moment we allow fabricated narratives to eclipse verified facts, we lose more than property — we lose democracy, trust, and justice itself.

“As Nigerians and as global citizens, it is time we raise our voices against weaponized lawfare, reclaim the purity of our legal system, and restore faith in due process as the cornerstone of our republic.”