What to do if your landlord locks you out or threatens eviction in Nigeria
At a glance
- Quick answer: Stay calm, don’t break in, and act fast through police or court routes.
- Your rights: Tenants are protected under the Constitution and state tenancy laws, eviction without court order is illegal.
- Immediate goal: Regain lawful access, secure your belongings, and preserve proof for restitution.
- Who to call: Local police (DPO), a tenancy lawyer, or your state rent tribunal.
Step-by-step plan
1. Secure yourself and your belongings
If the landlord locks you out, first make sure you and your family are safe. Do not argue or use force. Note if any items are still inside — especially essentials like medications, certificates, or work tools. Take photos from outside showing the locked entrance.
2. Record the evidence immediately
Use your phone to record a short video: say the date, time, location, and what happened. Get a neighbor or security guard to confirm what they saw. Keep all rent receipts, messages, and any notice letters. The first 24 hours matter, fresh evidence is harder to dispute.
3. Call the police, but know their limits
Go to the nearest police station or DPO. Tell them it’s an unlawful eviction, not a rent quarrel. Police can order the landlord to reopen the premises and record your statement. But they cannot decide complex tenancy claims, courts do that.
4. File for court protection, quickly
Ask a lawyer to file an urgent motion for restitution of possession or an interim injunction. This can compel the landlord to restore access while the main case proceeds. In some states there are specific tenancy law sections that make unlawful eviction an offence.
5. Protect your tenancy going forward
Once access is restored: change locks legally with notice to the landlord, keep paying rent into an account or court registry to show good faith, and document all future communication.
Police vs. court route: when to use each
| Situation | Police action | Court action |
|---|---|---|
| Physical lockout or intimidation | Order reopening; record incident | File restitution/injunction |
| Destruction of property | Open criminal case | Seek compensation |
| Threats or assault | Arrest or caution | Use report in civil claim |
| Pure rent dispute | Refer to court | Court determines arrears and notice validity |
Evidence that strengthens your case
- Visual proof: Photos or videos of locks, damage, or entry barriers.
- Payment history: Receipts, transfers, or bank alerts proving rent payment.
- Communication trail: Messages, call logs, letters, or witnesses who heard threats.
- Official records: Police incident number or written complaint.
- Inventory: List of items affected, with estimated values for damaged or missing items.
Store duplicates (email or cloud). These become primary exhibits in court.
Common traps tenants fall into
- Breaking in out of anger: this can turn you into a suspect.
- Not reporting early: delay weakens your case.
- Paying new rent after an unlawful act: it may imply acceptance.
- Ignoring repeated threats: pick up warnings early and act.
Remedies you can claim in court
- Restitution of possession: order to re-enter the premises.
- Injunction: restrain further harassment or lockouts.
- Compensation: for loss, damage, or hardship.
- Criminal charges: where theft, threats, or violence occurred.
Courts will consider the strength and timing of your evidence when deciding remedies.
When to call a lawyer
Call a tenancy lawyer immediately if you’ve been locked out for more than 24 hours, your belongings are missing, the landlord threatens violence, police are dismissive, or you need urgent access for health or work reasons.
FAQs
Q: My landlord says I owe rent. Can they evict me immediately?
A: No. Eviction must follow proper notice and court process even if rent is due.
Q: I don’t have a written tenancy agreement. Do I still have rights?
A: Yes. Payment receipts, bank transfers or witness statements can prove tenancy.
Q: What if my things are missing after the lockout?
A: Include missing items in your police report and your court motion; you can claim the replacement value.
Q: How long does restitution take?
A: Many magistrate courts can issue interim orders within 2–7 days after an urgent filing, depending on court workload and service of process.
Summary action list
- Take photos and videos immediately.
- File a police report within 24 hours.
- Engage a tenancy lawyer to file a restitution motion.
- Keep all receipts, chats, and notices.
- Avoid self-help and stay reachable for police or court calls.
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. If you are in immediate danger or stranded due to a lockout, go to the nearest police station or contact 1st Attorneys for urgent help.