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The Nigerian Navy is alleged to have kept building on a contested piece of land in Lagos, even though there are active court orders in place. A Lagos State High Court, located in Epe, postponed the review of an interim application until March 2, 2026.

The conflict includes two legal actions initiated by Al-Gasali Global Ventures Limited and the Incorporated Trustees of Lekki Coastal Area Development Association against the Nigerian Navy and the Head of the Naval Staff.

The cases, designated EPD/15767/2024 and EPD/15769LMW/2024, concern properties situated in Origanrigan, Oshoroko, and portions of the Lekki corridor within the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Legal papers indicate that even though the defendants have submitted their appearances and responses, military staff are said to have kept occupying and advancing the land, leading the plaintiffs to request an interim injunction to stop additional actions while the main case is being decided.

During the hearing held on December 15, 2025, the lawyers representing the claimants informed the court that work on the land continued despite previous temporary orders prohibiting the defendants from entering, constructing, or making any changes to the property.

The legal matter currently before the court aims to prevent the Nigerian Navy, along with its personnel and representatives, from continuing any development or involvement with the property until the case is resolved.

Justice Animahun, presiding over High Court No. 1 in the Epe Judicial Division, postponed the case to March 2, 2026, for the consideration of the interlocutory injunction.

The territorial conflict originated in 2024.

In August 2024, the court issued temporary injunctions, preventing the Nigerian Navy, the Chief of Naval Staff, and their personnel, representatives, and employees from accessing, building on, or interacting with the property in any way.

The applicants argue that the land is included in 375,019 hectares provided as compensation to impacted communities through the Lekki Coastal Area Development Association after being acquired by the Lagos State Government.

They depend on a Certificate of Occupancy issued on June 8, 2014, along with a Deed of Gift for Al-Gasali Global Ventures Limited, which asserts ownership of approximately 66.102 hectares in the same region.

In their legal complaints, the plaintiffs claimed that naval officers forcibly accessed the land on July 23, 2024, stationed personnel, and constructed facilities that removed them from peaceful possession.

They also claimed that existing structures, beacons, fences, and boundary markers were destroyed, along with the harassment of local residents and employees who raised concerns about the naval presence.

The court previously decided that maintaining the current situation was essential to avoid irreversible harm, resulting in multiple extensions of the temporary injunctions during the latter part of 2024 and into 2025.

Both legal teams are anticipated to present their arguments to the court regarding the necessity of a formal restraining order while the complete trial is pending.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).