Court Orders Lekki Waterfront Property Sealed

Justice Othman Musa of the Abuja High Court has ordered the sealing of a disputed waterfront property within the Lekki Peninsula Scheme area of Lagos State, pending the outcome of a civil suit arising from a commercial land transaction between private individuals.

The order followed an ex parte application filed by one of the parties, Mr. Henry Ugonna Orabuchi, who is seeking judicial intervention over disputes relating to the ownership, documentation, and regulatory status of the property.

Court filings show that Orabuchi stated he was introduced in 2022 to Mr. Elvis Eze, through an intermediary, as the purported owner of a waterfront property in Lekki. He was informed that part of the land was waterlogged and required sand filling, after which portions of the reclaimed land would be sold.

Orabuchi said he entered into an agreement to purchase 3,000 square metres of the reclaimed land for an agreed sum, making additional payments at different stages based on representations made during the transaction. He explained that documents shown to him included a Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy for the adjoining land, alongside assurances that necessary consents for the reclaimed portion would be derived from the same root of title. The agreement, he added, also provided access to the waterfront section through the adjoining developed property.

According to Orabuchi, issues emerged after the sand-filling exercise, particularly regarding regulatory assessments and the extent of land recognised by relevant authorities. He further alleged that disagreements arose over documentation and the perfection of title to the portion he contracted to acquire.

He also referenced actions by Lagos State regulatory agencies during assessments carried out on the property, which he said raised concerns about compliance with planning and building regulations. These developments, he noted, led him to seek clarification and legal protection.

Court documents further indicate that Orabuchi reported the matter to the Nigeria Police, after which it was referred for investigation. While the investigations were ongoing, he alleged that subsequent developments prompted him to approach the Federal High Court in Abuja for relief.

In Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/4636/2025, Orabuchi asked the court to enforce his fundamental rights and grant interim measures to preserve the disputed property pending the resolution of the case.

After 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 substantive suit is heard and determined.

In its ruling, the court restrained the respondents from arresting, harassing, or otherwise dealing adversely with the applicant in connection with the dispute. It also ordered the sealing and securing of the property identified as Plot No. A, Block 12, Lekki Peninsula Scheme, Lagos State, including the reclaimed 3,000 square metres, and directed that all works and access to the property be halted pending the determination of the suit.