Police intervention worsens the late General Jemitola’s family inheritance dispute

By Tony Ovbosa

A high-profile family dispute has erupted into a public controversy, with allegations of police brutality and courtroom drama.

The family of the late General Christopher Jemitola, a respected military officer, is embroiled in a bitter inheritance dispute between his widow, Mrs. Safiya Jemitola, and his children from a previous marriage, Caleb and Iman Jemitola.

● The Dispute

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The dispute centres on the distribution of the late General Jemitola’s estate, with Caleb Jemitola seeking to gain access to the matrimonial home occupied by his stepmother, Mrs. Safiya Jemitola.

However, the execution of a court order granting Caleb access to the property has been widely criticized.

The order appears to contradict an existing court order that maintained the status quo, allowing Mrs. Safiya Jemitola to remain in the matrimonial home pending the resolution of the matter.

● Allegations of Police Misconduct

A large contingent of police officers, including those from the Force Intelligence Department (FID) and the Office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), allegedly stormed the matrimonial home to enforce the court order.

This action has been condemned by many as an overreach of authority and a clear case of police brutality. Furthermore, reports suggest that the FID conducted an illegal search of the late general’s house, with some officers reportedly lacking proper search documents.

● Court Ruling

The Presiding Judge of the Abuja High Court, Hon. Justice B.F.M. Nyako, rebuked Caleb Jemitola and his lawyer for their conduct in the matter.

The judge’s ruling has been seen as a setback for Caleb Jemitola, who had sought to gain access to the property occupied by his stepmother.

The case has been adjourned to February 10-13, 2026, for further hearing.

●¡Family Feud

The dispute is reportedly between Caleb Jemitola and his sister, Iman Jemitola, on one hand, and their stepmother, Mrs. Safiya Jemitola, on the other.

The late General Jemitola’s ex-wife, Ms. Josephine Oki, has been accused of masterminding the dispute, with some accusing her of being driven by greed and a desire to benefit from her ex-husband’s estate.

However, it is worth noting that a court settlement had previously awarded Ms. Oki two separate apartments in Abuja.

● Different Account

While Caleb Jemitola and his sister claim ownership of their father’s entire estate, the late General Jemitola’s extended family and some of his friends have accused the ex-wife and children of trying to eject Safiya, the surviving wife of the late General, from her matrimonial home and dispossess her.

Mrs. Safiya Jemitola has petitioned the IGP, alleging that Caleb Jemitola and the police broke into her matrimonial home, threatening her life and bullying her.

The dispute has brought shame to the family of the late General Jemitola, who was known for his integrity and discipline.

The case highlights the complexities and challenges of inheritance disputes, particularly in families with complex relationships and multiple interests.

As the matter continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the courts will resolve the dispute and whether the family will be able to find a way to move forward.