Lagos: Some Lagos-based lawyers on Monday described as unlawful, the eviction of tenants by landlords without requisite notices. The lawyers told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that ejecting a tenant for inability to pay rent must be executed by lawful processes. The lawyers were reacting to complaints by some Lagos residents who claimed that landlords often evicted tenants anyhow from their property.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a rights campaigner and lawyer, Mr. Spurgeon Ataene, emphasized that no landlord, regardless of influence, should forcefully eject a tenant. He highlighted the existence of laws regulating landlord and tenant relationships, such as the tenancy laws of various states, which must be strictly adhered to. Ataene explained that, particularly in Lagos, the tenancy law revised in 2023 and 2024 provides clear guidelines that must be followed. These include issuing a six-month notice for yearly tenants and a three-month notice for quarterly or half-yearly tenants. For monthly tenants, a one-month notice is required.
Ataene further stated that acting outside these legal frameworks infringes on tenants' fundamental rights, which could be contested in court. Meanwhile, Mrs. Vivian Uwakhonye, a member of the African Women Lawyers Association, described forceful eviction as a gross violation of the law. She noted that landlords who attempt to evict tenants by removing their roof or using other forceful means could face up to three years in prison or a fine of N250,000. Uwakhonye stressed the importance of legal procedure, advising landlords to consult legal practitioners to issue the necessary notices.
According to Uwakhonye, once the notice period expires, landlords should issue a seven-day notice of their intention to proceed to court to recover possession. She detailed that after all notices have expired, the case would be filed in court, and hearing notices would be issued by the bailiff. If the tenant fails to appear in court, the court can proceed and enter judgment in favor of the landlord.
Mrs. Elizabeth Chiozor, another Lagos-based lawyer, added that even with a court judgment, it remains illegal for landlords to personally evict tenants. She clarified that the execution of such judgments is the responsibility of the court's Sheriff, not the landlord. She emphasized that both tenants and landlords are subject to the laws of the land.