The Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba and presided over by the Chief Judge, Justice Tessy Diai, on Tuesday received an affidavit and other supporting documents presented by the member representing Oshimili North in the Delta State House of Assembly, Barrister Frank Esenwah, in an ongoing land dispute with Property World Africa Network (PWAN).
Among the documents submitted were paragraphs 13 and 52 of his sworn statement, which he urged the court to admit as evidence in the case.
During proceedings, counsel for the claimant told the court that PWAN believed the defendant had agreed to sell the land to the company for N105 million. Testifying as a witness, Barrister Esenwah stated that he only received N20 million from the claimant and issued a receipt for that amount. He added that he personally took a representative of PWAN to inspect the land and confirmed that there was an oral understanding between both parties.
The claimant’s counsel also presented an unsigned development partnership agreement allegedly between PWAN and the defendant, noting that his client did not sign the document because it did not align with the company’s policy.
In response, Esenwah explained that the draft agreement was prepared by the claimant and that he had concerns about its contents. When pressed to specify the issues he had with the document, he said he did not have a copy in court to identify the areas of disagreement. Asked whether he was aware that PWAN erected signposts on the land after paying the N20 million, he acknowledged that he was.
PWAN’s counsel further referenced a meeting held at Spring Hill Hotel, attended by the company’s management team led by Dr. Jayne Obioma Onwumere, where Barrister Esenwah was reportedly asked when he intended to refund the N20 million. Counsel also claimed that Esenwah had expressed plans to sell the land, but he denied selling the property to anyone, maintaining that he was developing it himself.
The courtroom erupted in laughter when the prosecuting counsel disclosed that the witness, who is also a legal practitioner, was his mentor, adding that he was simply putting into practice what he had learned from him. The case was subsequently adjourned to May 2026 for further hearing.
