Supreme Court Rules on Aguika Land Ownership Dispute

On December 12, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, comprising Justices John Inyang Okoro, Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, Adamu Jauro, Jummai Hannatu Sankey, and Obande Festus Ogbuinya, addressed a land dispute involving Aguika land. The Appellants initiated the case in the Customary Court of Enugu State, seeking to share the land among the UmuaguInyi community clans, claiming it was acquired through conquest and should be communally owned.

The Respondents acknowledged the land's acquisition but denied any oath regarding its sharing, asserting it was inherited by Onara's descendants. The Customary Court ruled in favor of the Appellants, but the High Court of Enugu State overturned this decision, which was upheld by the Court of Appeal.

The Appellants then appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the burden of proof should lie with the Respondents, who claimed exclusive ownership.