Residents of a community in Enugu State have staged a protest against what they describe as the illegal takeover of their ancestral land by the Nigerian Police Force, despite a court judgment ruling in their favor.

The demonstrators, who gathered in large numbers Thursday, accused police authorities of disregarding a valid court order that affirmed the community’s ownership of the disputed property. Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesters called on state and federal authorities to intervene and enforce the court’s decision.

Community leaders stated that the land in question has been in their possession for generations, serving as farmland and providing livelihoods for numerous families. They expressed frustration that despite obtaining legal validation of their ownership rights, law enforcement officers have allegedly occupied the property.

“We went to court, and the judgment was clear in our favor. But instead of respecting the rule of law, the police have taken over our land by force,” said one community spokesperson addressing the crowd. “This is injustice. We are law-abiding citizens who followed due process, yet our rights are being trampled upon.”

The protesters presented documents they claim prove their case, including the court judgment, land certificates, and historical records tracing ownership back several decades. They argue that the police action undermines judicial authority and sets a dangerous precedent for land disputes across the region.

Land conflicts remain a contentious issue across Nigeria, with communities frequently clashing with government agencies, private developers, and security forces over property rights. Many such disputes drag on for years despite court rulings, often due to enforcement challenges or competing claims.

Representatives of the Enugu State Police Command have not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations, and attempts to reach police authorities for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

The community has appealed to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, traditional rulers, and human rights organizations to help resolve the matter peacefully and ensure compliance with the court’s decision.

“All we are asking for is respect for the law and our constitutional rights,” another community member stated. “If the police, who are supposed to uphold the law, can ignore a court judgment, what hope do ordinary citizens have for justice?”

Legal experts have emphasized that court judgments must be respected and enforced regardless of who the parties involved are, warning that failure to do so erodes public confidence in the judiciary and the rule of law.

The protest remained peaceful, with no reports of violence or arrests. Community leaders indicated they would continue their legal battle and explore additional channels to reclaim their land if the current situation is not resolved promptly.