Winhomes diaspora investment dispute intensifies as investors reject Umahi’s comments on demolition, citing ongoing court case and demanding due process

Winhomes diaspora investment dispute has deepened following sharp criticism of recent statements made by Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, regarding the demolition of properties affected by the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.

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Speaking last week during an inspection in Lagos, Umahi insisted that only “about four hectares” of Winhomes Estate land were impacted by the road alignment.

He went further to assert that “the case is closed,” claiming the Lagos State Government had revoked the land and the courts had ruled in favour of the government.

“If truly $250 million was invested, where is the proof? Who paid the money and through which bank?” Umahi queried, casting doubt on the scale of the claimed Winhomes diaspora investment.

But in a swift and pointed rebuttal on Wednesday, the Chief Executive Officer of WINHOMES Global Services Ltd., Engr. Stella Okengwu, stated that the investment from diaspora Nigerians exceeds $250 million, and stressed that no final judgment has been issued by any court.

She confirmed that the matter remains before the Federal High Court in Lagos as Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1063/25, presided over by Justice Akintayo Aluko.

“No trial has commenced, and no judgment has yet been delivered,” the statement noted.

Okengwu condemned the Minister’s remarks as misleading and premature, asserting that legal due process must be respected.

“The destruction of WINHOMES Estate is not a matter of opinion, but of legality, accountability, and due process. We will pursue justice relentlessly through lawful means and will not relent until the truth prevails,” she declared.

The group has announced plans to host a world press conference, where they will present video evidence, documents, and expert testimony to both Nigerian citizens and the international community.

Investors are calling for transparency and the protection of property rights, warning that unilateral demolition decisions could erode investor confidence in Nigeria’s real estate and infrastructure sectors.

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They insist that the Winhomes diaspora investment dispute is far from resolved and that any suggestions to the contrary undermine the judiciary’s role in safeguarding constitutional rights.