An Ikeja High Court has restrained the management of Lagos Trade Fair Management Board from trespassing into a portion of the complex leased to Portman Limited, a freight services company.

Justice A. M. Lawal made the restraining order following an ex-parte motion filed and argued by counsel to Portman Freight Services Limited, Dr. D. A. Awosika (SAN).

The claimant has been engaged in a running battle with the defendant over a portion of the complex, which it maintains it has a subsisting lease agreement on.

The claimant had sought a pre-emptive order of injunction against four defendants, including Lagos International Trade Fair Management Board, and its Executive Director, Mrs Vera Safiya Ndanusa.

Other defendants are the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and its minister.

“The respondents are restrained by themselves and howsoever from trespassing, going into, demolishing, or any way tampering with the property measuring 6.7 hectares, lying and being at, along Lagos International Trade Fair Complex…” the court declared.

Justice Lawal directed the police to “provide security and maintain peace on the property” and adjourned the matter to June 26, 2025.

The enrollment order obtained yesterday by The Guardian, was dated April 28, 2025.

Portman Freight Services Limited has consistently raised concerns over alleged forceful disruption of its businesses, and unlawful encroachment and acquisition of a section of the complex leased to it by the Trade Fair Management.

The freight company asserts that it holds a subsisting right of possession, derived from a legally binding agreement, but elements within the Board have made it impossible for it to freely utilise the leased facility.