Despite multiple subsisting court orders restraining interference with a disputed parcel of land in Lekki, Lagos, individuals armed with knives and machetes, alleged to be acting on behalf of businessman Prince Donatus Okonkwo and Darabella Limited reportedly demolished the boundary wall to enter the site on Sunday, June 8, 2025, with the backing of armed police officers and others.
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 Suit No: 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 interference 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 restrains the 1st and 3rd defendants, the Lagos State Attorney-General and the Lagos State Special Task Force, from taking any steps to evict, demolish, harass, or allocate the property to third parties, including alleged representatives of Mr. 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 very significant and costly damage.
In a petition dated June 4, 2025, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji SAN detailed what he described as further acts of intimidation allegedly linked to Mr. Okonkwo and Darabella Limited.
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 Mr. Okonkwo, accompanied by a large contingent of mobile police officers and the court bailiff, reportedly stormed the property to serve the order.
The plaintiffs, in the petition, further 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 7:45am on Sunday 8 June, 2025.
Some legal analysts have criticized the sequence of events as potential forum shopping and an abuse of judicial process, particularly given that Mr. Okonkwo had already applied to be joined in the Federal High Court matter, thereby submitting to its jurisdiction.
The petition calls on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the alleged involvement of its officers and to ensure that any future enforcement actions are carried out strictly in line with lawful procedures and existing court rulings.
It also raises broader concerns about the rule of law in Lagos State and the perceived misuse of state institutions in private disputes.
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 8th incident.
