By OLUSOJI DAOMI
There is a peculiar Nigerian tragedy: a man labours for years, saves his hard-earned money, buys a plot of land, collects his receipts and title documents, and begins to dream of building a home. Then, just when that dream is about to become reality, another set of men arrives—with threats, weapons, fresh demands for money, or documents whose authenticity is questionable. Suddenly, the owner becomes a stranger on the land he paid for.
Welcome to the disturbing world of land grabbing, popularly associated in southwestern Nigeria with the activities of some people called Omo Onile.
But let us be clear: not every Omo Onile is a land grabber, and not every dispute involving family land is a crime. The real problem arises when legitimate claims are replaced with intimidation, fraudulent transactions, unlawful levies, double sales, violent entry or attempts to dispossess people by force.
How can a country encourage home ownership and investment when a person who has lawfully purchased land must continually negotiate with threats? How can the rule of law survive if the loudest voice, the biggest gang or the most dangerous weapon determines who owns a property? The law, not the strongest fist, must determine the rights of parties.
The Nigerian Constitution recognises the right of every citizen to acquire and own immovable property anywhere in Nigeria, subject to the Constitution and applicable laws. The Land Use Act 1978 also provides the principal statutory framework for land administration. A receipt, survey plan or Deed of Assignment is important evidence, but no single document should be treated as an automatic guarantee of ownership without proper investigation of the title.
This is why prospective buyers must investigate the seller’s root of title, conduct appropriate searches, verify the survey and exact location of the land, and check for government acquisition, competing claims and pending litigation. Where necessary, consult a qualified property lawyer before paying. A cheap plot can become the most expensive purchase of one’s life.
What happens when armed men invade the property or demand fresh payments at the foundation, decking, roofing or fencing stages? In Lagos State, the Lagos State Properties Protection Law 2016 prohibits forceful takeover of landed property and acts inconsistent with an owner’s proprietary rights. The law also addresses entry by violence and provides criminal consequences for prohibited conduct. The precise legal position and applicable penalties must, however, be assessed under the law in force in the state where the land is situated.
The practical lesson is straightforward: do not surrender your rights simply because somebody arrives with a crowd, nor assume that every disagreement automatically makes the other party a criminal. Establish the facts, preserve your documents, record threats or damage safely and lawfully, identify witnesses, and report suspected criminal conduct to the police or the appropriate state land-grabbing authority.
In Lagos, affected property owners may petition the Lagos State Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers. The Ministry of Justice advises petitioners to provide the relevant details, copies of title documents, an affidavit and available information identifying the alleged encroachers. The Taskforce may undertake fact-finding, facilitate resolution and collaborate with other government agencies where necessary.
Where ownership or possession is contested, a property lawyer can advise on the appropriate court proceedings, including a claim for declaration of title, injunction to restrain interference, or damages for trespass, depending on the evidence and circumstances. If documents have allegedly been forged, preserve them and report the matter for proper investigation. Do not publicly pronounce someone guilty before the facts are established.
Above all, do not fight violence with violence. Do not organise thugs to reclaim land, destroy another person’s property or threaten suspected encroachers. Such conduct may expose you to danger and criminal liability, even if you believe your original claim is genuine. Let the law do its work.
Government must also do more than enact laws. Effective enforcement, impartial policing, reliable land records, prompt investigation and prosecution where evidence supports it are essential. A law that exists only on paper cannot protect a widow, a young couple building their first home, a farmer defending a livelihood or an investor who has committed life savings to property.
The battle against land grabbing is not merely about plots, fences and title documents. It is about personal security, public confidence, investment and the authority of the state.
Land must not become a territory where intimidation is law and extortion is a condition of ownership. Every Nigerian deserves a fair opportunity to acquire property and protect a lawful interest without fear. And anyone who disputes that interest must pursue the claim through lawful means.
The message is simple: investigate before you buy, document every transaction, report threats promptly, and seek judicial protection where necessary. In a constitutional democracy, land rights must be defended by evidence and the law—not by the number of men standing behind a claimant.
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