The Passion for Justice Initiative (PJI), a civil society organization, has raised alarm over what it describes as harassment, intimidation, and illegal prosecution of the Yusuf family by the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Justice, and a medical consultant, Dr. Saliu Niran Abdulwaheed.
Speaking at a press conference held in Lagos, PJI stated that the issue originated from a property dispute at 67 Surulere Street, Dopemu, Agege.
The conflict reportedly began in 2022 following the group’s intervention after receiving an appeal from two family members, Mrs. Yusuf Lateefah and Mrs. Yusuf Salimot.
According to PJI, the property in question was “lawfully reclaimed and peacefully sold with the unanimous consent of all five beneficiaries,” and the proceeds were equitably shared.
However, controversy erupted when a family member, Mr. Mutiu Yusuf, allegedly collected money from Dr. Abdulwaheed, who claimed to have bought the property for N16 million.
PJI noted that the family demanded proof of the transaction, but said Dr. Abdulwaheed has failed to produce any signed documents.
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The group further alleged that Dr. Abdulwaheed, accompanied by armed men and suspected hoodlums, forcibly took possession of the property during its redevelopment, vandalising CCTV cameras, carting away cement bags, and seizing a generator.
PJI said the situation escalated when Dr. Abdulwaheed filed petitions that led to the arrests and detention of several family members at Area G Command and the FCID in Alagbon.
“The family head, Alhaji Ajani Yusuf, was detained for two weeks and was only released on bail of N500,000 per person,” the group added.
The Ministry of Justice was also accused of withdrawing its earlier intervention and failing to appear in court on the matter.
Calling the situation a “blatant assault on the rule of law, abuse of power, and weaponisation of the criminal justice system,”
PJI demanded the withdrawal of all charges against the family, an independent investigation, a public inquiry, sanctions against Dr. Abdulwaheed if found culpable, and compensation for the Yusuf family.
“Justice must never be for sale,” the group declared.
