The alleged invasion and forceful takeover of an Ikoyi property by Ardova Plc has taken a new turn as a police investigation report has recommended criminal prosecution of the company, while a ₦5 billion suit has also been filed before the Lagos High Court against it.
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The dispute centres on a property located at 12 Thompson Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos, which Familia Ltd bought from Forte Oil in 2013 before its acquisition by Ardova Plc.
The police interim report dated December 16, 2025, and issued by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, followed a petition submitted on behalf of Familia Ltd alleging conspiracy, unlawful invasion, malicious damage and threat to life.
According to the report signed by CSP Taiwo Oyewale, Familia Ltd claimed it purchased the property from Forte Oil Plc in 2013 for ₦1 billion through a Deed of Assignment dated August 18, 2013.
The company also claimed it had remained in possession of the property for about 12 years and that its lease was renewed and extended in February 2024 by the Lagos State Government for another 99 years.
The petitioner alleged that on August 8, 2025, officials of Ardova Plc, accompanied by operatives of the Lagos State Task Force and Monitoring Unit, forcefully entered the premises, ejected staff and demolished a bungalow on the property.
Two 40-foot containers were reportedly placed on the land, with an inscription stating that the property belonged to Ardova Plc.
During the investigation, police said they reviewed documents presented by Familia Ltd and extended inquiries to the Lagos State Ministry of Lands, Alausa, for verification.
A former Chief Finance Officer of Forte Oil Plc, Julius Owatuga, who was invited as a witness, reportedly confirmed that the property was sold to Familia in 2013 and that payment was reflected in the company’s financial records for that year.
He was also said to have stated that the property was not listed among assets transferred when Forte Oil’s shares were later acquired and the company became Ardova Plc.
According to the police report, in his statement to investigators, Ardova’s Managing Director, Moshood Olajide, reportedly maintained that a search conducted at the Lands Registry indicated that the property remained in the name of British Petroleum, which was the former owner of Forte Oil.
He was reported to have said that the company sought police support to take possession of what it believed to be its property.
Despite the Ardova MD’s claims, the police, after a thorough investigation, affirmed Familia as owner of the property, having rightfully purchased the same from Forte Oil Plc before its acquisition by Ardova.
Offences of conspiracy, unlawful invasion, malicious damage and threat to life were established against Ardova in the report, with a recommendation that the case file be forwarded to the legal section for advice and possible prosecution.
Despite the police report affirming Familia as rightful owner of the property, findings revealed that Lagos Task Force officials and police officers are still occupying the property to date.
When contacted, Familia’s legal team declined to make a comment on the matter.
Meanwhile, the company has filed a suit at the High Court of Lagos State against Ardova Plc and the Attorney General of Lagos State over the matter.
The claimant is seeking declarations affirming its legal and equitable title to the property, relying on the 1946 principal indenture, a 1967 land certificate registered under Title No. LO3109, and the 2013 Deed of Assignment registered at the Lagos State Lands Registry.
Familia Limited is also asking the court to declare the alleged invasion of August 8, 2025, unlawful and to hold the Lagos State Government responsible for the actions of Task Force and Monitoring Unit officials said to have participated.
The reliefs sought include ₦2 billion as damages for trespass, ₦1 billion for defamation, ₦1 billion for breach of the Deed of Assignment, ₦1 billion in combined claims against the Lagos State Government for alleged violation of property rights and trespass, ₦48.3 million as special damages for the demolished bungalow, and ₦50 million as cost of the suit.
The claimant is further seeking an order directing the removal of the two 40-foot containers from the property and a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from further interference.
The matter has been assigned to Justice Batunde Kalaro of the Lagos State High Court, sitting at Osborne, but Ardova is yet to file its defence to the suit.
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