A property developer, Cecil Osakwe, has lamented what he described as the persecution of entrepreneurs with prolonged court cases, which he says has made the Nigerian business environment a hostile one.
Osakwe, a lawyer and managing director of Alkire Partners Nig Ltd, is currently facing several legal battles arising from property investment, including an ongoing ₦300 million alleged illegal eviction and property damage case before an Abuja Federal Capital Territory High Court.
Reflecting on court cases that trail investments in the property sector, the developer noted that business success in high-value sectors like real estate often attract prolonged legal battles. According to him, the situation punishes rather than protects enterprise.
Speaking further, he said, “Land acquisition continues to be one of the most sensitive aspects of property development in Nigeria.
“Developers must navigate complex ownership structures, verify land titles, and comply with regulatory requirements. Failure to conduct proper due diligence often leads to disputes, delays, and financial losses.”
In the case marked FCT/HC/CR/222/2023, Osakwe and co-defendants, including lawyer Victor Giwa, are facing a nine-count charge bordering on criminal intimidation, threat to life, forceful eviction and destruction of property estimated at ₦300 million.
The proceedings have been repeatedly stalled, with arraignment adjourned multiple times as the Director of Public Prosecution reviews the charges.
He noted that business disagreements that should be resolved through civil processes are frequently escalated into criminal allegations, triggering investigations and long-drawn court appearances.
“When you succeed in high-value sectors, you suddenly become a target. What starts as a civil land dispute quickly turns into a criminal case. The process itself becomes the punishment.
“Nigeria often celebrates entrepreneurship in policy speeches and investment summits, hailing the private sector as the engine of growth.
“In reality, many business owners face reputational damage long before any verdict, operational disruptions from endless court dates, mounting legal fees and stalled projects that deter investors.”
Noting that time is capital for entrepreneurs, he stressed that prolonged cases can lead to lost financing opportunities, expired contracts, abandoned developments and workforce instability. “Even when cleared, the damage to business momentum is often irreversible.”
Osakwe also highlighted rising concerns in the business community over perceived selective intervention of law enforcement agencies in what are essentially commercial disputes.
He observed that the issue has led many entrepreneurs to operate defensively, diverting energy from innovation and expansion to legal protection and risk avoidance.
“The ripple effects hurt the national economy. Nigeria competes globally for capital, but investors prioritise predictability and institutional fairness. When successful entrepreneurs appear vulnerable to legal uncertainty, capital flows elsewhere, local businesses scale cautiously, and informal models thrive over formal, job-creating enterprises,” he added.
