By Christiana Ekpa
An Abuja-based legal practitioner, Abdul Mahmud, has called for calm and dialogue as fresh efforts emerge to resolve the lingering dispute rocking the Residents’ Association of Fatima Gold Estate, Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
The crisis, which has stretched for nearly two years, involves the estate’s residents’ association, Deputy Commissioner of Police Amabua Muhammed, and other homeowners, centering on disagreements over estate dues and the association’s authority to enforce compliance.
Tensions escalated after some residents, including the senior police officer, were accused of defaulting on agreed levies.
In response, the association reportedly enforced sanctions, including the disconnection of electricity to affected properties an action that deepened divisions within the estate.
The situation reached a flashpoint on May 27, 2023, when Mahmud was arrested after allegedly preventing DCP Muhammed from detaining a security officer without a warrant.
The incident followed the issuance of a demand notice to the police officer over unpaid dues, sparking a confrontation that drew widespread attention.
Mahmud’s arrest triggered outrage among legal practitioners and civil rights advocates, who described it as an abuse of power. The then Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, later ordered his release through his Principal Staff Officer, Tunji Bello.
Despite his release, the dispute evolved into a prolonged standoff, culminating in the prosecution of Mahmud and the former chairman of the residents’ association, Emmanuel Ejeh, at a Senior Magistrate Court in Mararaba. Mahmud’s recent detention further intensified public scrutiny and criticism from civil society groups.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, Mahmud signaled a shift in tone, emphasizing reconciliation and the need for constructive engagement among all parties.
He explained that the association’s enforcement measures, including the disconnection of electricity, were taken in good faith to encourage compliance and ensure the orderly development of the estate—not to inflict hardship.
Mahmud acknowledged that the actions had caused discomfort and expressed regret over the tensions and controversies, including media reports linked to DCP Muhammed.
Calling for restraint, he announced the retraction of previous publications on the matter and urged all parties—and the media—to halt further dissemination of related content in order to create room for dialogue.
He expressed optimism that ongoing engagements would lead to a peaceful resolution, urging stakeholders to embrace mutual understanding, good neighbourliness, and shared responsibility.
The latest development signals a potential breakthrough, as all sides appear to be shifting away from confrontation toward a negotiated settlement in a dispute that has deeply divided the estate and drawn national attention.
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