In a landmark judgment, The Supreme Court has reaffirmed the rights of the Shangisha Landlords Association, ordering the return of 549 plots in the Magodo area of Lagos State. This followed about 38 years legal battle over land seized by the State Government under the guise of “overriding public interest” and later allocated to private individuals.
Both the Land Use Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria make room for government take over of privately held lands for overriding public interests. But these statutory provisions have been severally abused by government functionaries for self interests.
What Really Happened?
The Lagos State Government took over plots in Magodo, forcefully evicting landlords and demolishing their properties. The reason? The land was supposedly needed for public use. But months later, the same land was allocated to private individuals, sparking outrage.
The landlords took legal action, and after victories at the Lagos High Court and Court of Appeal, the State Government shamelessly appealed to the Supreme Court which upheld the judgements of the lower courts. The judgment was clear: return 549 plots to original owners!
Yet, Lagos State returned to court, requesting a “clarification” of the ruling, prompting the supreme court to dismiss the state government’s fresh application as unnecessary and evasive.
Why This Case Matters
This ruling is not just about land, it’s about transparency, justice, and real estate safety in Nigeria. If you’re planning to invest in property in Lagos, particularly around Magodo, this dispute should be a wake-up call.
According to Mr. Madueke Enwere, a senior police officer and property lawyer, “Anyone investing in these disputed plots is doing so at a serious risk. Until the Lagos State Government fully implements the court’s judgment, all transactions remain risky for anyone investing there!.”
What Investors Should Know
- Avoid buying plots in areas under litigation or those marked by court rulings.
- Always verify land status with both government registries and at encumberedproperties.com
- Why is it important that you also do your searches at the above website? Because sometimes, the government is the villain like in this case. And they can tamper with the correct information at their land bureau. So always visit encumberedproperties.com to further learn of properties that are in dispute.
- Don’t trust land agents blindly—do your due diligence.
Conclusion
The Magodo land dispute serves as a stark reminder: Not all lands are for sale, even when they appear available, even when it is government marketing it. Investors must remain vigilant and informed to avoid falling victim to government or private sector malpractice.
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At Encumbered Properties, our mission is to help you make safe and informed property investments decisions. Before you buy, always:
Verify the property’s status on EncumberedProperties.com;
Consult a real estate lawyer; and
Avoid untraceable cash transactions.
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This article was put together by Madueke Enwere: a property lawyer, a real estate investor, a senior police officer and by God’s grace, the founder, encumberedproperties.com
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