A Lagos State High Court presided over by Justice Akingbola George has granted all reliefs sought by Anthony Ugbebor, a United States-based engineer, in an ongoing N152 million property dispute.

Ugbebor, who is the first defendant in the case, filed a motion seeking the court's permission to amend his statement of defence and counter-claim in Suit No: LD/4471LM/2023. The suit was initiated by property developer Olukayode Olusanya and his company, Oak Homes Limited, against Ugbebor and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In the motion dated March 31, 2025, supported by a 13-paragraph affidavit and a written address dated April 9, 2025, Ugbebor through his counsel, Mr. N.A. Salau, requested leave to amend his initial statement of defence and counterclaim, permission to call additional witnesses, and for the court to deem the amended processes as properly filed.

Legal Arguments Presented

Salau argued that the court had the power to grant such an application at any stage of proceedings, emphasizing that the proposed amendments would neither prejudice the claimants nor overreach them. He maintained that the essence of the amendment was to ensure justice is done.

In response, the claimants' counsel, Mr. A.O. Erue, expressed the need to file consequential amended processes following the court's ruling and objected to the immediate commencement of trial.

In his ruling, Justice George held that "a court will not refuse an amendment merely because it introduces a new fact. What is important is that the amendment is necessary for the just and proper determination of the issues before the court."

The court granted Ugbebor leave to amend his statement of defence and counterclaim, deemed the amended processes as properly filed and served, and granted leave to call additional witnesses, including Mr. Oluwaseyi Omodele and Mr. Shehu Hassan.

Claims in the Dispute

In the substantive suit, Olusanya and Oak Homes Limited are seeking several reliefs, including an order compelling the EFCC to pay them N102 million allegedly paid to Ugbebor without proper authorization. They are also claiming N50 million against Ugbebor as damages for alleged trespass on the property between July 26 and August 21, 2023.

Additionally, the claimants are requesting an order of perpetual injunction restraining Ugbebor from accessing the site and an additional N5 million as professional legal fees.

Following the ruling on the amendment application, Justice George declined to award costs to either party, stating, "There shall be no award of costs; each party shall bear its own costs."

The court granted the claimants 14 days to file and serve their consequential amended statement of claim. The matter has been adjourned to June 20, 2025, for hearing.