A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered all parties in a legal dispute involving the alleged unlawful eviction of a tenant to maintain the status quo antebellum—that is, to revert to the conditions that existed prior to the reported eviction incident—until the case is heard in full.
The case, brought by Lagos-based lawyer Mr Ogedi Ogu on behalf of his client, Mr Vincent Uba, challenges what he claims was an illegal attempt to eject Mr Uba from a property using the Nigerian Police Force.
Mr Uba is suing several parties, including the Administrator-General and Public Trustee of Oyo State, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone II, and several police officers including CSP Uba Adams and SP Dahiru Ango. Others named in the suit include the Police Service Commission and Vivastar Nigeria Ltd.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, who presided over the matter on Wednesday, ruled that the status quo must be maintained and adjourned the case until 26 November for hearing. He also directed that hearing notices be served on all respondents.
In his application, Mr Uba is seeking a court declaration that his arrest and detention on 28 May over tenancy issues were unconstitutional. He further alleges that the entrance to his residence at No. 5 Association Avenue, Ilupeju, Lagos, was blocked with construction materials—sharp sand and granite—effectively imprisoning him and his family.
He accuses the police of acting on the instigation of the property’s reported new owner, Vivastar Nigeria Ltd, claiming that neither he nor other tenants were issued formal notices of sale or eviction.
Uba is seeking ₦50 million in damages, citing violations of his right to fair hearing, dignity of the person, and freedom of movement.
According to his affidavit, he had lived in the apartment legally since 2015 and was shocked to learn, upon visiting the police station, that the building had allegedly been sold. He stated that his refusal to sign a prepared document regarding his eviction led to threats and detention.
The court will hear the full case later this year.
