Eviction Day at Cubana: Court Sheriffs oust Obi Cubana’s Wuse II Lounge, hand property to landlord
Maureen Aguta
Court sheriffs on Tuesday enforced a long-running eviction order on Plot 81, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja, taking over the premises housing the popular Cubana Lounge and handing possession to the property owner, Mr Collins Onwuzulike, after overcoming stiff resistance.
The enforcement team, made up of court bailiffs and a detachment of police officers, arrived at the high-profile nightlife spot at about 8 a.m. to execute the court order and restore possession to Onwuzulike, the proprietor of SEMC Investment Ltd. The lounge is owned by businessman and social media celebrity, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana.
Tension briefly flared during the exercise when individuals believed to be hired thugs attempted to obstruct the enforcement by attacking court officials. The confrontation reportedly occurred after the police officers initially accompanying the bailiffs mysteriously withdrew from the premises. Despite the intimidation, the court sheriffs stood their ground and proceeded with the eviction.
By mid-morning, reporters at the scene observed the dismantling and evacuation of assets belonging to the lounge, including industrial generators and air-conditioning units, under the strict supervision of court officials. Some staff of the lounge were seen milling around the premises, visibly distressed, as the operation continued. A court document confirming the ongoing enforcement of an eviction order was conspicuously pasted on the building.
Tuesday’s action marked the culmination of a legal battle over ownership and possession of the property, following a judgment delivered in July 2025 by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Gwagwalada. In that ruling, the court affirmed Onwuzulike as the lawful owner of the property, having purchased it from Rev. Chidiebere Amakaeze for an agreed sum of ₦2 billion.
The court held that the transaction was duly executed through a Power of Attorney and a Deed of Assignment, which transferred ownership to Onwuzulike with effect from May 1, 2024. It further noted that despite the completion of the sale and transfer of title, the claimants had been unable to take possession of the property.
Presiding judge, Justice J.A. Aina, consequently granted the claimants the right to possession