Court Blocks Police, IGP From Interfering With Drawcok Estates’ Properties Occupied by Nestoil

 

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a firm order restraining the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, from entering or interfering with properties owned by Drawcok Estates Ltd., including the building currently occupied by Nestoil Group at 41/42 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The ruling followed an application filed on November 7, 2025, by Drawcok Estates Ltd. through Senior Advocates Kehinde Ogunwumiju, Ademola Abimbola, and their legal team. The company asked the court to protect its constitutional right to own and enjoy its properties without interference from the Police or the IGP — listed as the first and second respondents.

The affected properties include:

• No. 4 Nyasa Close, Plot 19, Off Ontario Crescent/Mississippi Road, Maitama, Abuja, and

• 41/42 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, currently housing Nestoil.

Drawcok argued that actions allegedly taken by the police amounted to a violation of its property rights under Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution.

Delivering judgment on November 24, 2025, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2385/2025, Justice R.N. Ofili-Ajumogobia upheld the company’s claims. She declared that Drawcok Estates has the legal right to possess and control its properties, as guaranteed by the Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Justice Ajumogobia ruled that any sealing or occupation of the company’s properties by the police constituted an infringement of Drawcok’s rights under Sections 43 and 44 of the Constitution.

The court therefore ordered:

1. Immediate vacation of the properties by the Police, their agents, or anyone acting on their instructions.

2. Immediate restoration of possession to Drawcok Estates Ltd.

3. Provision of security to enable Drawcok safely re-enter and take control of the properties.

4. A restraining order preventing the Police, IGP, their agents, or proxies from harassing, obstructing, or denying the company access to its properties.

The judgment effectively bars any further interference by security agencies in matters relating to the ownership or occupation of the listed properties.