The Nigeria Army has asked the Federal High Court to dismiss a suit filed by Professor John Ntui Ntuiabane over a disputed property in the Apo District of Abuja. The professor seeks clarity on citizens’ rights to own property in Nigeria.

The suit also aims to preserve the rights of a deceased retired Major originally allocated the plot, which is now occupied by a retired Naval chief. The property became controversial after Lt. Ahmed Yerima reportedly clashed with Nysesom Wike during a FCT Administration inspection.

In a preliminary objection filed March 24, 2026, human rights lawyer Victor Giwa representing the Army described the case as an abuse of court process. He argued the suit is hypothetical, speculative, and academic, and asked the court to strike it out.

The Army further challenged the court’s jurisdiction, stressing that the case seeks a judicial opinion on a question that is not justiciable and lacks immediate legal consequence. Giwa suggested the matter is better suited for classroom discussion than litigation.

Defendants listed in the suit include the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo, Lt. Ahmed Yerima, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The Army maintains that the suit is incompetent and should be dismissed, emphasizing that the claims are speculative and do not require a judicial decision at this time.