On the morning of November 15, 2024, armed men in Lagos State uniforms stormed a private property in Lekki—despite a clear, active court order protecting it. The target? The home and development site of retired Nigerian Navy Admiral Festus Porbeni, former Minister of Transportation. Witnesses say the raiders, identified as members of the Lagos State Special Task Force, were backed by heavily armed police officers. They beat staff, dragged people into a police van nicknamed the ‘Black Maria,’ and threatened to bulldoze every structure on the land. The twist? A Federal High Court injunction (FHC/L/CS/1384/21) had been in place since 2021—and renewed just days before, on November 14, 2024—by Justice Daniel Osiagor. This wasn’t just a violation. It was a public slap at Nigeria’s judiciary.
The Property That Won’t Stay Quiet
The disputed land, B20 Wole Olateju Crescent, Lekki Phase 1, isn’t just any plot. Admiral Porbeni and his company, Admiralty Fleet Limited, say they’ve held regulatory approvals since 2008, including development permission from the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), where Porbeni once served. They’ve invested millions, built infrastructure, and occupied the site continuously. But in 2021, Lagos State officials showed up claiming the land was government property. The courts didn’t agree. Justice Osiagor issued an injunction on October 18, 2021, halting any allocation or interference. That order was reaffirmed on November 5, 2021, and again on November 14, 2024—just one day before the raid.It’s rare for a court to renew an injunction so precisely, so recently. That makes the November 15 raid not just unlawful—it’s brazen. Legal experts say this level of disregard suggests either reckless arrogance or a coordinated effort to force a land grab before the courts can react again.
Who Spoke Up—and Who Didn’t
The first public outcry came from the Good Governance Alliance – Nigeria (GGA-N), a civil society group led by Nathaniel Obasi. In a statement, they called the incident “a recipe for lawlessness and chaos.” They demanded immediate action from the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Inspector-General of Police, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.Meanwhile, the state government stayed silent. No press release. No denial. No explanation. That silence speaks louder than any statement could. In contrast, Admiral Porbeni’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Abiodun A. Olatunji, moved swiftly. On November 14, they secured the renewed injunction. On November 17, they formally notified the court of the breach. Now, they’re pushing for contempt proceedings.
“This isn’t the first time,” Olatunji told reporters. “They’ve done this before. Each time, we go to court. Each time, they come back. The message is clear: they don’t fear the law.”
The June 2025 Petition: A Pattern of Timing
Here’s the odd part: On June 4, 2025, Porbeni’s team filed a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, citing a Lagos State High Court ex parte order served on June 3, 2025—just hours before a public holiday. Why does that matter? Because it’s a known tactic: serve legal documents right before a weekend or holiday, when courts are closed and legal recourse becomes nearly impossible. The plaintiffs argue this wasn’t an accident. It was strategy.They’re invoking Section 43 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to own and develop property. Yet, the repeated raids suggest that for some, the rule of law is negotiable—especially when land values in Lekki are skyrocketing. The property in question sits near Admiralty Way, one of Lagos’s most valuable corridors. Real estate here now sells for over ₦150 million per plot. That’s not just land. It’s wealth.
What’s Next: Contempt, Chaos, or Clarity?
Justice Osiagor now faces a critical decision. Will he issue a contempt citation against Lagos State officials? If he does, it could set a national precedent. Contempt of court is rarely enforced against state agencies—even when they blatantly violate orders. But if he acts, it signals that even powerful governors aren’t above the law. If he doesn’t, it tells every agency in Nigeria that court orders are just suggestions.Meanwhile, the Lagos State Special Task Force remains active, and the state’s Attorney-General has made no public comment. The silence isn’t just concerning—it’s dangerous. When state actors feel immune to judicial oversight, democracy weakens. This isn’t just about one property. It’s about whether Nigeria’s courts can still protect citizens from state overreach.
History Repeats Itself
This isn’t the first time Lagos State has clashed with courts over land. In 2019, the state forcibly cleared the Epe waterfront, ignoring a Supreme Court order. In 2020, a similar raid occurred in Surulere, where residents were evicted despite a pending appeal. Each time, the state claimed “public interest.” Each time, the courts ruled against them. Yet the pattern persists. That’s not policy. That’s impunity.Admiral Porbeni, now 72, is a decorated officer who served Nigeria for over 30 years. He’s not a protestor. He’s not a radical. He’s a retired public servant trying to build something legitimate. And now, he’s being treated like a criminal—by the very government that once swore to uphold the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What legal actions can be taken against Lagos State for violating the court order?
Admiral Porbeni’s legal team is seeking contempt of court charges against Lagos State officials, including the Attorney-General and Special Task Force leaders. If proven, this could lead to fines, asset freezes, or even personal liability for those who ordered or carried out the raid. Contempt proceedings are rare against state agencies, but not impossible—especially when there’s video evidence, witness testimony, and multiple prior violations.
Why did the court renew the injunction just one day before the raid?
The renewal on November 14, 2024, came after new evidence surfaced showing Lagos State had resumed land allocation activities despite the 2021 injunction. Justice Osiagor’s swift action suggests he was aware of escalating threats. The timing implies the court anticipated possible non-compliance—and was trying to reinforce its authority. The raid the next day makes it look like a deliberate provocation.
How does this affect ordinary Lagos residents?
If the state can ignore court orders on high-value land, no citizen is safe. Property rights are the foundation of economic security. When the government can raid homes and developments with impunity, it erodes trust in institutions. Thousands of Lagosians hold land titles or pending approvals—they’re watching this case closely, wondering if their own homes could be next.
Is there any precedent for a governor being held accountable for court violations?
Not directly. Governors in Nigeria have never been personally jailed for contempt. But in 2017, a court froze the account of a state government for refusing to release funds ordered by a tribunal. In 2020, the Supreme Court ordered the removal of a state official for defying a ruling. These cases show that while governors are rarely punished, the courts can still apply pressure—through finances, sanctions, or public shaming.
What role does the Inspector-General of Police play in this?
The IGP is responsible for police conduct nationwide. The raid involved mobile policemen, meaning federal law enforcement was present. If the police participated in enforcing an illegal order, the IGP could be compelled to investigate them internally—or face accusations of complicity. The June 2025 petition to the IGP suggests plaintiffs believe federal oversight may be the only check left.
Why is this case gaining national attention now?
Because it’s a perfect storm: a decorated veteran, a clear court order, armed state agents, and silence from power. Social media has amplified the footage of the raid. Legal experts are calling it a test case for judicial independence. With elections approaching, the public is watching whether the state will be held accountable—or if the message is that power trumps law.
