Despite multiple subsisting court orders restraining interference with a disputed parcel of land in Lekki, Lagos, land grabbers armed with knives and machetes have reportedly demolished the boundary wall to enter the site with the backing of armed police officers.

The incident occurred at B20, Wole Olateju Crescent, Lekki Phase 1, a property that is the subject of ongoing litigation at the Federal High Court, Lagos in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/1384/2021.

Legal representatives for the current occupants described the incursion as “a brazen act of contempt and lawlessness,” citing the violation of binding judicial orders.

Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court had issued multiple injunctive orders restraining the Lagos State Attorney-General, the Lagos State Special Task Force, and their agents or proxies from further interfering with the disputed property, pending the final determination of the suit.

The court also reaffirmed that its earlier interlocutory and vacation orders dated October 18 and November 5, 2021, respectively remain valid and binding and noted that no appellate court has set them aside.

Specifically, Justice Osiagor’s order restrained the 1st and 3rd defendants from taking any steps to evict, demolish, harass, or allocate the property to third parties, including alleged representatives of one Mr. Donatus Okonkwo and Darabella Limited.

The court further ordered that any property, boats, or equipment removed from the site be returned and the premises restored to its prior state.

Despite assurances from the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Development and Infrastructure in September 2024 that no enforcement action would be taken pending the court’s decision, another reported disruption occurred on November 15, 2024, during which workers were allegedly harassed, arrested and work halted.

Boats and other equipment were moved without proper safety precautions, resulting in significant and costly damage.

In a petition dated June 4, 2025, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Abiodun Olatunji (SAN) detailed what he described as further acts of intimidation.

These include the securing of an ex parte injunction from the Lagos State High Court —despite their knowledge of the ongoing Federal High Court suit — and serving it on site with armed escorts, which the petition claims created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

According to the petition, the ex parte order in question was granted on April 7, 2025, but was not served until June 3, 2025.

On that date, individuals said to be acting for an interested party, accompanied by a large contingent of mobile police officers and the court bailiff, reportedly stormed the property to serve the order.

The plaintiffs alleged that the timing of the service of that ex parte order was an attempt to use the Sallah holiday period — when courts are not in session — to execute a forceful takeover of the site, which they duly attempted with their breach at about 7:45 a.m. on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

The underlying dispute stretches back to 2008, when Admiral Festus Porbeni, through Admiralty Fleet Limited, reportedly secured approval from the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to develop a jetty and boat club on the disputed waterfront land.

The plaintiffs maintain that their continued possession and development of the property is protected under Section 43 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to own and enjoy property without unlawful interference.

The Federal High Court is expected to consider whether contempt proceedings will be initiated against those alleged to have breached its orders during the June 8, 2025 incident.