Tag: Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed, has called for the release of Mr. Olamide Obanla, who was abducted when uniformed men invaded a land in dispute.

The Principal Partner of Ndarani SAN & Co. Chambers raised alarm over the unlawful seizure of land legally allocated by the Lagos State Government to investors.

The SAN said at a briefing that the affected land was lawfully acquired by a consortium of investors who complied with all legal requirements, including planning approvals and perfected titles.

“The investment, valued at over $250 million, was made in good faith and backed by valid documentation from Lagos State authorities,” he said.

He alleged that Minister of Works David Umahi unilaterally diverted the originally gazetted alignment of a federal highway by nearly seven kilometres to run through the investors’ land.

But Umahi, through his Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna Orji, declined comments because the matter, according to him, was a subject of litigation.

“A matter in court can not have our reaction. Let’s await the court’s decisions,” Orji said.

Mohammed said military personnel were deployed to demolish already-developed structures worth millions of dollars.

“On May 4, 2025, a second wave of military invasion reportedly occurred.

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“Armed men in uniform stormed the site, assaulted civilians, and abducted a staff member, Mr. Olamide Obanla, who remains missing.

“There is no federal gazette, court order, or legislative authority backing the minister’s claims of ownership over the land.

“Section 1 of the Land Use Act and Section 44(1) of the 1999 Constitution clearly vest land ownership within a state in the hands of the state governor,” Mohammed said.

The SAN insisted that these actions constitute not just a civil wrong but gross violations of human rights and a misuse of military authority against unarmed citizens.

“This is no longer just a land dispute. It is a threat to Nigeria’s constitutional federalism and an attack on investor confidence in our country,” the Senior Advocate added.

Ndarani SAN & Co. Chambers urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call Umahi to order and publicly reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to due process and the rule of law.

It said the Attorney-General of the Federation should issue a legal clarification on the constitutional limits of federal power over land in states.

The firm added: “The National Assembly must initiate a full investigation into the alleged abuse of office and misuse of military forces.

“The Chief of Army Staff is urged to probe the deployment of soldiers for non-military, civilian suppression and to hold those responsible accountable.”

The firm called for the immediate and safe release of Mr. Obanla.

“We cannot allow power to triumph over legality. Nigeria belongs to all of us, not just those in temporary public office,” Mohammed said.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed, has stated that traditional rulers play crucial roles in combating security challenges facing the country.

Ndarani also advocated for the need to remove immunity for state governors to ensure greater accountability and transparency in governance.

In his proposal made available to The Nation, Ndarani emphasises the necessity of amending Section 21(a) & (b) of the 1999 Constitution to explicitly recognise the role of traditional rulers in addressing security challenges.

He said: “Traditional rulers, as custodians of cultural heritage and moral values, are deeply embedded in their communities and possess unique insights into local dynamics.

“By leveraging their influence and authority, they can contribute significantly to efforts aimed at curbing insecurity nationwide.”

Drawing attention to Article 17, Subsections 2 & 3 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which affirmed the role of traditional rulers in promoting and protecting cultural life and values, Ndarani argued that traditional rulers are ideally positioned to collaborate with governmental bodies and security agencies in addressing security threats.

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Highlighting the importance of traditional rulers as mediators and arbitrators, Ndarani, also pointed out that they serve as indispensable agents in resolving conflicts within their communities.

He said: “Their involvement in dispute resolution mechanisms not only fosters peace but also strengthens social cohesion and stability.”

Ndarani further proposed the removal of immunity for state governors as outlined in Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.

This amendment, according to him, would enable criminal proceedings to be instituted against governors and their deputies during their tenure, thus holding them accountable for any misconduct, corruption, or negligence in governance.

He argued that governors would be more inclined to uphold their responsibilities with integrity and diligence, knowing that they are subject to legal scrutiny and accountability measures.

This, in turn, would contribute to a culture of transparency, efficiency, and ethical leadership within Nigeria’s political landscape.

He said: “Constitutional reforms underscore the importance of harnessing the collective wisdom and authority of traditional rulers in addressing security challenges and promoting good governance.

“By empowering traditional institutions and ensuring accountability at all levels of government, Nigeria can navigate its way towards a safer, more prosperous future.”