Residents of Modupe Johnson Crescent in Surulere, Lagos, have warned prospective buyers and members of the public against entering into transactions involving a disputed 36-unit residential estate allegedly being developed on the premises of Gbaja Boys High School.
The Incorporated Trustees of Modupe Johnson Crescent Residents’ Association issued the warning in a Caveat Emptor notice dated September 21, 2026, through their lawyer, Imran O. Shitta-Bey of S. A. Shitta-Bey & Co.
The residents said the property is the subject of an ongoing case before the High Court of Lagos State, Lagos Judicial Division.
The suit, marked LD/6333LM/2026, involves the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation and eight other defendants.
According to the residents, the dispute centres on the alleged conversion of land within Gbaja Boys High School into a residential development.
They alleged that the project involved unauthorised construction, trespass, encroachment and interference with land designated for educational purposes.
The residents further alleged that the development, reportedly located along the edge of a canal within the school premises, was being carried out without several required regulatory approvals.
Among the approvals they said were missing are planning permission, an approved building plan, Environmental Impact Assessment clearance, drainage alignment clearance, Traffic Impact Assessment clearance and approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
Residents seek court intervention
The residents said they had filed 16 reliefs before the Lagos State High Court in connection with the disputed development.
Among their requests is an order directing the relevant authorities to permanently seal the construction site and remove structures they allege were unlawfully erected on the property.
They are also asking the court to declare that any alleged disregard of stop-work and seal-up orders issued against the development amounted to unlawful acts and abuse of office.
The residents said their legal action was aimed at protecting the interests of the community and preserving the land while the court determines the dispute.
The defendants named in the related proceedings include officials and agencies responsible for physical planning, building control, environmental regulation and housing administration in Lagos State.
Residents invoke lis pendens
The association also invoked the legal principle of lis pendens, warning prospective buyers, companies, financial institutions, real estate operators and other entities against dealing with the disputed property while the case remains before the court.
Under the warning, any purchase, lease, mortgage, joint venture or development transaction involving the property while the litigation is pending would be undertaken at the buyer or investor’s own risk.
The residents therefore urged members of the public to conduct appropriate legal and title checks before committing funds to the development.
Previous court proceedings
The residents said their association had previously challenged the development in an earlier suit involving the same parties.
The earlier case was marked LD/5840LM/2025.
According to the association, the High Court granted pre-emptive injunctions on January 27, 2026.
The residents further said that on March 18, 2026, the court held that the association, acting as representatives of the affected community, had demonstrated a threatened legal right that warranted protection.
A related report stated that residents became aware of the development in September 2025 after seeing a signboard identifying LSDPC as the client.
They subsequently sought information on the project’s planning and building approvals, environmental clearance, drainage approval and authorisation from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
The residents alleged that the Lagos State Building Control Agency issued a contravention notice and stop-work order on January 12, 2026, following a stakeholders’ meeting the previous month.
They also alleged that an environmental seal order was issued and subsequently breached, after which construction resumed. These claims remain part of the ongoing legal dispute.
Court to hear substantive case
The latest proceedings remain pending before the Lagos State High Court.
Justice Atinuke Ipaye has fixed October 26, 2026, for the hearing of the originating summons as well as preliminary objections filed by the first and second defendants challenging the residents’ legal standing to institute the action.
The court proceedings will determine the legal issues surrounding the residents’ claims and the disputed development.
Until the matter is determined, the residents have urged prospective buyers, investors, financial institutions and real estate companies to exercise caution and avoid transactions involving the property.
The dispute highlights the importance of confirming land ownership, planning approvals, building permits, environmental requirements and other regulatory clearances before purchasing property or committing funds to a real estate development.
