FG takes possession of residential properties in Ikoyi on court order

The federal government has taken possession of some residential properties in Ikoyi, Lagos, citing court judgment delivered three and half years ago in Lagos.

Some of the possessed properties are situated on George Street, off Mobolaji Johnson Avenue, while others are on Second Avenue and other streets within that axis.

The properties affected on George Street are those on Nos 1, 2 and 5. The old structure on No 1 which is next to ECOWAS office, has been demolished and a massive construction is going on to build a high-rise residential property.

The property on No 2 is an old one-storey building that has all the trappings of colonial residences with the gate bearing “Keep Off, Military Zone” warning. Property No 5 is also an old building with multi-family units standing on two floors.

When BusinessDay visited the street to witness the possession, it was observed that each of these properties had pasted on their gates, a banner citing the court judgment that prompted their possession.

Read also: Lagos High Court returns Ikoyi property to family, revokes FG’s possession

The banners read: “ID/2643LMW/2020; Federal Government of Nigeria Vs The Unknown Occupier(s).

Pursuant to the judgment delivered by the Hon Justice A.M. Lawal of the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja Judicial Division on the 15th Day of July, 2022 in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria, possession of this property is hereby taken today, 28/01/2026 by the court order.  For enquiries, contact Asset Recovery and Management Unit, Federal Ministry of Justice, FCT, Abuja.”

One of the government officials, who came to effect the possession, told BusinessDay that the action became necessary because owners or occupiers of the properties have chosen to remain adamant “even when we can see reconstruction work going on as in the case of No 1.”

The official, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that they would go as far as Bank Road and also towards the Old Federal Secretary Complex near Obalende.

Shortly after the officials who came with a bus-load of Mobile Policemen left, some residents of Property No 5 came out and removed the banner on their gate, telling this reporter that the marking on the wall was enough to show the property has been possessed.

The marking on the wall, which BusinessDay sighted, reads: ‘ID/2643LMW/2020: Possession Taken today, 28/01/2026 By Court Order.’