By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
The Nasarawa State Government has waded into a dispute that went viral on Facebook, following a video posted by Blessing Mathias alleging that her family was forcefully ejected from their home.
The controversy involves one Michael Galadima, who claimed he legally purchased the house from the family’s uncle for the sum of N5 million.
The conflicting claims and rising public reactions prompted the state government to intervene.
In response, the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Nasarawa State, Barr. Isaac Danladi, summoned both parties, along with their legal representatives, to a roundtable dialogue at the Ministry of Justice.
AG Seeks Peaceful Resolution
Speaking during the meeting, Barr. Isaac Danladi explained that the state government’s primary objective is to ensure peace, unity, and justice among all parties involved.
He noted that issues of property ownership and family disputes often escalate when not properly managed, emphasizing that the government will not fold its arms while citizens engage in actions that may lead to further conflict.
Despite Court Order, AG Moves to Prevent Tension
Despite the matter already being before a court, the Honourable Attorney General has continued to take unstoppable and proactive steps to broker peace between the disputing parties.
He stressed that while the judicial process will continue unhindered, the government also bears a responsibility to promote dialogue, reduce tension, and prevent the situation from degenerating into a larger crisis.
AG Introduces Alternative Dispute Resolution Process
The State Honourable Attorney General, Barr. Isaac Danladi, has also initiated an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process aimed at resolving the matter amicably, even after a court judgment has been delivered.
He noted that while the judicial verdict remains valid, the government still has a duty to explore peaceful settlements, reduce hostility, and safeguard community harmony.
According to him, legal decisions do not prevent the state from encouraging dialogue where necessary to protect the public interest.
Details of the Meeting
The meeting was held at the Justice House, off Shendam Road, Lafia, and was chaired by senior officials of the Ministry of Justice.
Present at the engagement were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mohammed A. Adi, and the Director, Public Defender Department, Hajiya Halima Hudu Abubakar, who jointly coordinated the session on behalf of the government.
Representing the complainants, Blessing Mathias, Dorothy Mathias, and Decor Mathias,was their counsel, Barr. Dr. Nze O. M. Okoye, while Barr. Emmanuel Kuza appeared as counsel to the judgment creditor, Mr. Michael Galadima.
Also in attendance were leaders of the Kuteb Association in Nasarawa State, led by Steven I. Ransom, alongside several Kuteb traditional titleholders who came to observe and support the peace initiative.
Both parties are indigenes of Taraba State, belonging to the Kuteb ethnic group, and are residents of Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Judgment Creditor States His Position
After extensive deliberations involving all parties, the judgment creditor, Michael Galadima, stated that he was not interested in escalating the matter further.
According to him, his only demand is for the family to pay him the N5 million he paid for the house, along with N6.5 million for the structure he said he constructed on the property.
He emphasized that once the total amount is settled, he is ready to relinquish all claims and bring the matter to a peaceful close.
Parties Agree to Reconvene
Following a constructive and lengthy exchange between the counsel representing the victims, Dr. Nze O. M. Okoye, and the counsel for the judgment creditor, Barr. Emmanuel Kuza, both parties reached a mutual understanding on the next steps.
They agreed to reconvene on Friday, 21 November 2025, for what is expected to be the final session aimed at resolving all outstanding issues and concluding the matter amicably.
Commendation for Governor Sule
Both parties and their representatives commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for the proactive measures taken by the state government to intervene in the dispute.
They expressed appreciation for the swift and impartial involvement of the Honourable Attorney General, Barr. Isaac Danladi, noting that the government’s intervention helped prevent further tension and provided a platform for dialogue and amicable resolution.
Next Steps
The Ministry of Justice is expected to review all documents presented by the parties, including the alleged sale agreement, proof of payment, and evidence of family consent.
Barr. Danladi assured both sides that the government will adopt a fair, lawful, and transparent approach in reaching a resolution that protects the rights of all stakeholders.
Both parties expressed willingness to cooperate with the government-led mediation process as the matter continues to attract public attention.
