By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos.

A disagreement between two brothers over ownership and control of merchandise at a stall within the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport has escalated into a civil case before the Ikeja High Court in Lagos.

The dispute involves Rabiu Aliyu and his younger brother, Abubakar Aliyu, over goods estimated to be worth about N48 million.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the stall, identified as Stall 1, was originally entrusted to Rabiu by their father. Rabiu was said to have later invited Abubakar from Kano to assist in the business.

Sources alleged that Abubakar was subsequently given the responsibility of overseeing operations at the stall, but disagreements later arose after some goods reportedly disappeared from the shop.

Rabiu reportedly accused his brother of taking possession of the merchandise without his consent. However, Abubakar was said to have maintained that the items belonged to the family business and that he had a right to manage them.

Further findings indicated that the disputed goods were allegedly purchased by Rabiu for the running of the business, while Abubakar functioned mainly as a salesman who periodically rendered account of sales.

The matter was later reported to the Nigeria Police Force, where Abubakar allegedly claimed that he had worked for his brother for 22 years without pay before also asserting that the goods belonged to the family business.

Sources said Abubakar was granted bail on January 26, 2024, with directives to return the goods and report back to the authorities for further updates on the matter.

He was also reportedly instructed to restore Rabiu’s airport operational pass, popularly known as DOC, and allow him access to the stall.

The items in dispute reportedly include jewelry sets, wooden carvings, African-themed artifacts, Ankara bags, leather purses, traditional fabrics, Agbada outfits, Adire materials, drums, slippers, backpacks, and other cultural merchandise.

The case is scheduled for hearing next week at the Ikeja High Court.

Both parties declined comments when contacted, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.