Preventing Unlawful Eviction: How AWJAI Helped Resolve a Tenancy Dispute Lawfully
When Mr. C contacted AWJAI in February 2025, he was worried and unsure of his options. His landlord had arrived at his home with police officers from the nearby police station where he lives in Abuja, and pressured him into signing a written undertaking to vacate the property in three (3) days or risk forced eviction. The encounter left him shaken and feeling powerless.
But the situation was not lawful.
AWJAI stepped in to review what had happened and support Mr. C. We engaged the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and made it clear that a tenancy dispute is a civil matter that must follow proper legal process. The use of police presence to pressure a tenant to leave his home was inappropriate and it was an abuse of office. Our intervention focused on preventing unlawful eviction and ensuring that Mr. C’s rights were respected. Following this engagement, the police withdrew from the matter.
With the immediate threat removed, the issue was addressed through dialogue. The landlord agreed to a civil resolution, granting Mr. C an additional two months to secure alternative accommodation. This time allowed him to make proper arrangements and move without harassment, force, or intimidation. The outcome showed how preventing unlawful eviction through early legal intervention can lead to a peaceful and lawful solution.
What began as a moment of fear became an example of how timely support and knowledge of the law can stop abuse before it escalates. Mr. C’s case shows that when people understand their rights and have access to support, intimidation does not have to lead to injustice.
This experience is a reminder that no one should be forced out of their home through threats or misuse of authority, and that access to justice can make the difference between crisis and a lawful, dignified outcome.
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