Residents and business owners in the Akowonjo community of Alimosho Local Government of Lagos State were thrown into panic after individuals claiming to be enforcing a 2003 court judgment stormed the area, shutting down commercial activities and restricting access to homes and businesses.

The operation, which took place on Thursday, July 30, 2026, left the community resembling a city under emergency rule, as shops, banks, schools, residential estates and other business premises remained locked while groups of alleged Omo Onile moved around the neighbourhood, reportedly harassing residents and property owners.

Residents woke up to find notices pasted on buildings claiming ownership of the land, while armed police officers were stationed at strategic locations, including the entrance of one of the estates.

Several structures were marked with the inscription: “ID/1537/90. Possession Taken Today 30/7/26 By Court Order.”

The enforcement exercise reportedly involved individuals claiming to represent the judgment creditors, accompanied by armed police officers attached to the Lagos State Taskforce.

They claimed to be taking possession of about 56.570 hectares of land pursuant to a judgment delivered by the Lagos State High Court in 2003.

Areas affected include a long stretch of properties along Akowonjo Road, comprising banks, eateries, schools, commercial establishments, Santos Estate Phases 1 and 2, Valley Estate and several adjoining communities.

The notice pasted on the affected properties stated that the disputed land belongs to Alhaji Ashafa Ogundare Oshunroye, Lamidi Ogundare and Chief Olufunmi Yisa, who were said to be acting for themselves and on behalf of the Yaku Family of Agege, Lagos State, following judgment No. ID/1537/90 delivered by the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja Judicial Division, on November 26, 2003.

According to the notice, the judgment declared persons occupying the land without title derived from the Yaku Family as trespassers and stated that steps had been taken to execute the judgment and take vacant possession of the land in accordance with the law.

However, many residents questioned both the manner and timing of the enforcement, insisting they had not been served any prior notice or court documents before the operation commenced.

Speaking with The Guardian, a resident, Saburi Odumbaku, alleged that about 300 hoodlums invaded the estate alongside police officers.

“A large number of hoodlums entered our estate claiming they had a court order. We have not seen the judgment ourselves, but they started destroying fences and property. They came with bottles, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, while police officers accompanied them,” he said.

Odumbaku alleged that residents who questioned the operation were assaulted.

“They never informed anyone in the estates. They simply came in and started beating people who asked questions. We are appealing for peace while waiting for the government to intervene.”

He called on those enforcing the judgment to produce the court documents to enable affected residents to seek legal redress.

“Santos Layout received government approval in 1976. If there was a judgment in 2003, why is it only being enforced now? We deserve to know the legal basis for what is happening.”

Another business owner, who identified himself simply as Lanre, said the operation forced traders to shut down.

“They ordered everyone to vacate and threatened anyone who refused. Business owners have suffered huge losses. It is unfortunate that people can be chased out of their homes and businesses without prior notice.”

A trader, Azubike Blessing, broke down in tears while speaking to The Guardian outside her locked mini-market.

She alleged that those carrying out the enforcement informed occupants that they would have to purchase the land again from the claimants within seven days or face further consequences.

“I can’t even access my shop. We are hungry. I pleaded with them, but they said there was nothing they could do.”

Another resident, Gbeyide Sunday, questioned why the judgment, if valid, had remained unenforced for over two decades.

“Our means of livelihood has collapsed. We cannot open our businesses. If this judgment has existed since 2003, why enforce it only now?” he asked.

Meanwhile, The Guardian reporter, Eniola Daniel, was allegedly assaulted while covering developments at Santos Estate on Friday, July 31, 2026.

According to the journalist, the incident occurred shortly after 3:00 p.m. when he approached the family attorney, identified as Alli Hassan, to seek clarification on the enforcement exercise.

The journalist said he identified himself before Hassan reportedly invited him to walk around the affected area to inspect damaged structures.

While recording the tour, one of the men accompanying Hassan reportedly instructed the journalist to stop filming, a directive he said he immediately obeyed.

However, while the discussion continued, one of the men allegedly knocked his phone to the ground before punching him in the left ear.

The journalist alleged that Hassan and police officers present at the scene watched as the assault took place without intervening.

He further alleged that one of the attackers threatened him, saying in Yoruba:

“How dare you disrespect our boss? We will kill you here and nothing will happen.”

Daniel alleged that other residents were assaulted during the incident, forcing several journalists at the scene to flee for safety.

As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the allegations surrounding the enforcement exercise or the reported assault on the journalist