The Abuja High Court has granted an order directing that notices of committal proceedings be served on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike by substituted means, following a demolition exercise allegedly carried out in contravention of the court’s valid order.

Justice Hamza Mu’azu gave the order after N. I. Usman, who appeared for the claimant, Mykas Grid Ventures Limited, moved a motion ex parte to the effect.

Mr Mu’azu granted the company permission to serve Forms 48 and 49 on the minister via newspaper publication.

A certified true copy (CTC) of the order issued on Monday was sighted on Tuesday in Abuja.

“It is hereby ordered as follows: Leave of this honourable court is granted to the claimant/applicant to serve Form 48 and Form 49 on the 1st defendant (minister) by substituted means, to wit: by advertising same in two newspapers circulating within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and consider the same as proper service.

“Leave of this honourable court is granted to the claimant/applicant to serve the writ of summons and all other processes in this suit on the 2nd defendant by substituted means, to wit: by advertising the same in two national newspapers circulating in Lagos and Abuja, and consider the same as proper service.

The judge then adjourned the matter until March 9 for a hearing.

A copy of the Form 48, signed by the court registrar and issued on February 25, is titled “Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Order of Court” and addressed to the minister of FCT.

It reads: “Take notice that unless you obey the order of Honourable Justice H. Mu’azu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court 24, Abuja, dated 10th February, 2026, thus:

“Parties are directed to maintain the status quo, pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

“Take further notice that unless you obey the above order, you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to the correctional centre.”

Mykas Grid Ventures Ltd had sued the FCT minister and Italia Company Ltd as the first and second defendants.

Mykas Grid, in the ex parte motion marked M/16354/2025, filed on December 5, 2025, by a team of lawyers led by Bala Dalum, sought two prayers.

One of the reliefs was “an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants from forcefully taking possession of Plot No. A06/4583 with file no. MISC 129288 measuring about 8,572.60 m², also known as Park 2023, Maitama District, Abuja, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

Justice Mu’azu had, on February 10, granted the order directing parties to maintain the status quo, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice before him.

The judge granted the order following the motion ex parte filed by Hussaina Tukur, a lawyer.

Justice Mu’azu then adjourned the matter until April 23 for hearing.

However, officers of the Development Control Department of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), with security personnel, on February 24, allegedly moved to the site on the minister’s directive to demolish its fence and the security house despite the subsisting court order.

(NAN)