Sheriff, Police Peacefully Enforce 23-Year-Old Lagos High Court Judgment, Recover 56.57 Hectares at Dopemu
LAGOS — More than two decades after the Lagos State High Court affirmed ownership of a large expanse of land in the Dopemu area of Lagos, the Sheriff’s Department of the High Court, backed by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, on Thursday peacefully enforced the court’s judgment by taking possession of the property.
The enforcement, which took place without any reported violence or resistance, constitutes a significant step in the implementation of a judgment delivered on November 26, 2003, in Suit No. ID/1537/90 between Alhaji Ashafa Ogundare Oshunroye, Lamidi Ogundare and Chief Olufunmi Yisa, for themselves and on behalf of the Yaku Family of Agege, and Lababedi Brothers Trading Limited.
The land, measuring approximately 56.570 hectares and situated along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway in the Dopemu area of Agege Local Government Area, is regarded as one of the strategic property corridors within metropolitan Lagos because of its closeness to major commercial and residential developments.
Court officials, accompanied by armed police officers, executed the possession order in a calm and orderly manner. There were no reports of clashes, injuries, property damage, or traffic interference during the exercise, as security personnel maintained law and order throughout the operation.
According to the judgment creditors, the High Court had affirmed the Yaku Family’s title to the land covered by Survey Plan No. LAT/1258/75 dated August 29, 1975, and subsequently granted a consequential order for possession. Following the court’s issuance of the necessary execution procedures, the Sheriff’s Department moved in to enforce the judgment.
The judgment creditors stated that the court declared persons occupying the land without title traceable to the Yaku Family to be trespassers and unlawful occupiers.
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They maintained that the enforcement was carried out strictly in compliance with the court’s orders and applicable legal procedures.
A public notice issued after the execution advised individuals and organizations claiming interests in the property to verify their titles with the family’s solicitors before undertaking any transaction on the land.
The notice also warned prospective buyers, developers and investors against dealing with persons who lack authority derived from the judgment creditors.
Legal observers say the execution underscores the importance of compliance with final court judgments and highlights the role of the Sheriff’s Department in making sure that successful litigants enjoy the fruits of judicial decisions.
They also noted that enforcement of long-standing land judgments is still a critical issue in Lagos, where competing claims over high-value real estate frequently result in protracted litigation.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official reaction from Lababedi Brothers Trading Limited or any other persons affected by the enforcement exercise.
The peaceful execution is expected to draw the attention of landowners, developers, investors, and prospective purchasers across Lagos, serving as a reminder of the need for comprehensive due diligence and title verification before acquiring interests in landed property.
