Photo caption: Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development seals building
The Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has sealed off an ongoing building project located at Plot 18, Block J, within Seagate Estate, Lekki Phase 1, Eti-Osa, Lagos, amid allegations of forgery, encroachment, and disobedience to regulatory directives.
In a statement, it was noted that the enforcement, carried out by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, followed a stop-work order and a subsequent notice to seal the property after concerns were raised over the legitimacy of the title documents submitted by the developer, who is also a lawyer, Frank Ezeala.
It stated, “According to LASPPPA officials, the developer allegedly began construction on the disputed land without valid approvals or verifiable documentation from the appropriate authorities.
The ministry said several attempts were made to obtain clarification and compliance from the parties involved, but Ezeala reportedly failed to respond to official invitations and directives.
“The case dates back to a land ownership dispute involving multiple parties. One of the claimants, Dr John Umude, who said he lawfully acquired Plots 16 and 18 in the estate nearly three decades ago, petitioned the Ministry, alleging that the developer forged documents and commenced construction despite being informed that the matter was before the courts.
“The claimant, who said he purchased the plots in 1994 and was the first assignee of record, presented documents including a deed of sublease and survey plan to support his claim. He also noted that while Plot 16 was sold in 2013, Plot 18 remained in his name and had been fenced, gated, and padlocked before the developer allegedly broke in and began construction.”
The statement noted that the ministry subsequently initiated an internal review and invited the original vendors and estate developers, Harris Properties.
It continued, “During the review, officials reportedly confirmed that the documents submitted by the developer did not originate from their offices. A senior planning official, who requested anonymity, said that “the sealing action was necessary to preserve the integrity of the built environment and prevent the public from being misled into purchasing units in a potentially illegal structure. Development on disputed land without proper authorisation undermines regulatory control.
“The ministry also confirmed that the developer was issued a stop work order, followed by a notice to seal. Both directives were ignored, prompting enforcement officers to act. As at the time of sealing, a substantial portion of the building had already been completed, and sales efforts were reportedly underway. Counsel for Ezeala confirmed the sealing of the premises by officials of the Lagos state government but disputed the accounts of Dr Umude. He said Dr Umude had gone to court over the matter and had his case struck out for technical reasons.
“The ministry reiterated that the sealing does not constitute a determination of ownership but is a regulatory measure to halt unapproved development pending full legal resolution. It urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing property and to always verify planning and title documents with relevant state agencies.”
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