A real estate firm, WINHOMES Global Services Ltd., yesterday, faulted the recent court ruling on its property, saying the judgment on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway merely echoed earlier public comments made by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi.

While it confirmed that it has filed a fresh lawsuit against the Federal Ministry of Works to stop any takeover of its property without proper compensation, the firm said Umahi failed to address the real human and legal concerns of thousands of Diaspora investors.

WINHOMES, in a statement by its CEO, Engr. Stella Ifeoma Okengwu said it respects the judiciary but insisted that the ruling does not reflect the situation on the ground.

Okengwu said: “WINHOMES is not vacant or undeveloped land but a fully planned estate built by hardworking Nigerians, with more than 80 per cent of the subscribers living in the Diaspora.

“This is not bush or raw land. It is an estate of homes, roads, drains, hospitals and dreams. The diversion of a Federal Coastal Highway into a developed estate without consultation, due process or compensation is not a land dispute; it is an abuse of executive power and a direct threat to the dignity and survival of families.

“Diasporans send home over $24 billion annually, yet you frustrate the very people sustaining the economy.

“Each demolition threat, unannounced marking and sudden diversion sends a message that Nigerians abroad should not invest back home. No nation grows when the government becomes the biggest threat to its own investors.”

In addition, Okengwu said: “No portion of WINHOMES will be taken until compensation is identified, negotiated and paid according to law. Only then can refunds be properly made.”

The estate assured Diaspora investors that their interests remain protected, noting that their patience, loyalty and courage are deeply appreciated.

“WINHOMES is your dream, and we will protect it. We will not abandon, betray or compromise your investments.”

Calling for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, she said: “The buck stops at your table. Diaspora confidence in Nigeria is being destroyed by the actions of the Ministry of Works. Families are crying, investors are restless and the nation’s image is at stake.”