U.S.-Based Nigerian Female Doctor Sues Army Major Over Alleged Trespass On Lekki Property

A U.S.-based Nigerian medical practitioner, Dr. Ijeoma Nduka-Nwosu, has taken legal action against a Nigerian Army officer, Major Joseph Adebiyi, accusing him of trespassing on her property located in Olugborogan Village, Lekki, Lagos State. The case, filed under Suit No. LD/14323LMW/2023, is before the Lagos State High Court.

Dr. Nduka-Nwosu claims she is the rightful owner of the 2912.150 square metre plot of land, which she purchased from the Sule Olusesi Chieftaincy Family in 1992. According to her, she has maintained uninterrupted possession of the property for decades, investing substantially in its development, including the construction of a residential building that had reached a habitable stage.

However, in December 2021, the doctor was reportedly shocked when thugs allegedly acting on the orders of Major Adebiyi invaded the property, causing significant damage estimated at over N25 million. She claims the attackers destroyed the perimeter walls, stole construction materials, and threatened her workers, all while asserting that Major Adebiyi had taken over the land.

The plaintiff also alleged that the incident was reported to multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Lagos Task Force on Land Grabbing. She further accused Major Adebiyi of attempting to misrepresent ownership of the land through a fraudulent Deed of Assignment, which investigations later revealed to be false, with key signatories denying any involvement.

According to court documents, Dr. Nduka-Nwosu is seeking various forms of relief, including a formal declaration of her ownership of the land, an injunction to prevent further trespass by Major Adebiyi and his agents, and N50 million in damages for the destruction, emotional distress, and repair costs incurred due to the attacks.

In a statement issued on her behalf by Mr. Joseph Igwe, Head of Chambers at Ubani & Co., Legal Practitioners, Dr. Nduka-Nwosu claimed that despite the ongoing legal proceedings and evidence against him, Major Adebiyi has continued to harass her and disrupt her lawful possession of the property. The statement noted that while Major Adebiyi has been served with the suit since 2023, he has yet to file any defence and has instead continued to lay claim to the property, going so far as to re-survey it in an attempt to sell it to unsuspecting buyers.

The statement from Igwe reads: “Despite the suit being served on Major Adebiyi with an application for an interlocutory injunction, he has been unable to file a defence and continues to trespass on the land as if no legal action has been instituted. He even attempted to sell the land to others, which led to his arrest by the EFCC after the buyers discovered his claims were fraudulent.”

The legal team further warned potential buyers to beware, stating that any transaction involving the disputed land would result in financial loss, as the matter remains pending in court.