Justice Othman Musa of the Abuja High Court has ordered the sealing of a contested waterfront property within the Lekki Peninsula Scheme in Lagos State, pending the determination of a civil suit arising from a commercial land dispute between private parties. The order was issued following an ex parte application filed by Mr. Henry Ugonna Orabuchi, who is seeking judicial intervention over disagreements related to the ownership, documentation, and regulatory status of the property.
Court documents reveal that Orabuchi was introduced to Elvis Eze in 2022 through an intermediary, who presented Eze as the owner of a waterfront property in Lekki. He was informed that part of the land was waterlogged and would require sand filling before portions could be offered for sale. Orabuchi stated that he subsequently signed an agreement to acquire 3,000 square metres of the reclaimed land, making payments at various stages as stipulated in the agreement.
According to Orabuchi, the documents presented to him included a Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy covering adjoining land, with assurances that the necessary approvals for the reclaimed portion would be derived from the same root of title. The agreement reportedly granted access to the waterfront portion through the adjoining developed property. Following the sand-filling work, however, disputes arose regarding regulatory approvals and the exact extent of the land officially recognised by the relevant authorities. Additional disagreements emerged over documentation and the perfection of the title to the portion Orabuchi had contracted to purchase.
Orabuchi also referenced regulatory assessments conducted by Lagos State agencies, which raised concerns about compliance with applicable planning and building regulations. These developments prompted him to seek formal legal clarification and protection. He further stated that he had petitioned the Nigeria Police over the matter, which led to investigations before he approached the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/4636/2025, Orabuchi requested enforcement of his fundamental rights and interim measures to preserve the disputed property while the case is pending. Upon reviewing the application, the court granted an interim order directing that the property be sealed and that all activities on the site be suspended until the matter is fully adjudicated.
The court order specifically restrains the respondents from harassing, intimidating, or adversely acting against Orabuchi in connection with the dispute. It also directs the 2nd Respondent, through the Assistant Inspector General of Police in Lagos State, and other relevant authorities to secure and seal the property, including the 3,000-square-metre reclaimed portion, with immediate effect. The injunction halts all works, activities, or access to the premises, ensuring that no person or entity may enter or interfere with the property pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
This ruling underscores the court’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of parties involved in commercial land disputes and maintaining the status quo while matters of ownership and regulatory compliance are resolved. The interim order ensures that the property remains protected, preventing further complications until the court delivers a final judgment.
