A bitter family feud has erupted over the properties of the late Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Kogi State, Alhaji Muhammed Sani Omolori, worth N7 billion. The properties are at the center of a legal battle between two brothers, Buhari Sani Omolori and Ataba, a former Clerk to the National Assembly.
In a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC), Buhari accused Ataba of fraudulently selling off several prime properties in Abuja after their father’s death in 1996 without the knowledge or consent of other family members. He alleged that Ataba forged documents to transfer three properties bought in the name of a company owned by their late father, despite not being a director in the company.
Buhari claimed that investigations by the family revealed that Ataba had stolen the briefcase containing the original property documents barely days after their father’s death. He also alleged that Ataba had refused to appear in court despite a summons issued on January 25, 2024, following a police investigation that indicted him for criminal conspiracy and forgery.
The family had invited Ataba to account for the properties under his control since 1997, but he had ignored the invitations. Efforts to resolve the matter through traditional authorities and Sharia courts had also proven futile.
Buhari implored the NJC to ensure the magistrate court concludes the case against his brother to uphold justice. He alleged that at least 12 siblings had died from illnesses that could have been treated if they had access to their legitimate inheritances.
Ataba’s lawyer, Sani Abbas, had denied the allegations, saying his client was out of town and would respond to the police invitation when he returns.
