By Chris Agbo,
Abuja, Nigeria – In a case that underscores the struggles faced by persons with disabilities in Nigeria, a blind landlady, Rose Utoko Monkom, has found herself in a legal battle with her tenant over unpaid rent. The case, which was heard at the FCT Customary Court, has drawn significant attention, with members of the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) Bwari Self-Help Group rallying in support of Monkom.
According to reports, Monkom’s tenant has refused to pay rent since 2024, leaving her in financial distress. Instead of vacating the property or settling the outstanding rent, the tenant allegedly resorted to intimidation tactics, involving the police in an attempt to turn the case against the rightful owner. In a shocking turn of events, Monkom—who depends on her rental income for survival—found herself dragged to court over her own house.
For many disability rights advocates, this case is more than just a landlord-tenant dispute; it is a stark reminder of the discrimination and exploitation that persons with disabilities often endure. “This is a clear case of injustice,” said one AWWDI member outside the courtroom. “If a blind woman cannot exercise control over her own property, then what hope do other persons with disabilities have in this country?”
Monkom, deeply frustrated by the ordeal, shared her distress over the situation. “I built this house with my hard-earned money, and now someone is living in it without paying a dime while I struggle to survive,” she lamented.
Legal experts have weighed in, stressing that the law must protect vulnerable individuals from being taken advantage of. “The law is clear—when a tenant refuses to pay rent, they must either settle their debt or vacate the property,” said a lawyer familiar with the case.
The FCT Customary Court has adjourned the case to April 14, 2025, for further hearing, giving both parties time to present their arguments.
As the legal battle unfolds, disability rights activists are calling for swift justice, arguing that Monkom’s case is a crucial test of Nigeria’s commitment to upholding the rights of persons with disabilities. Will justice prevail, or will systemic challenges allow exploitation to go unchecked? The coming months will determine the fate of this high-stakes case.
