Trespass and Title to Land in the Northern States of Nigeria

The case of Oguche v. Iliyasu & Ors. raises several interesting issues in the law of the Northern States of Nigeria, in particular the definitions of “native” and “non-native” and the powers of the Commissioner under the Land Tenure Law, the relationship between title to land and the rules governing trespass to land, the protection afforded by the Public Officers (Protection) Law and the award of exemplary damages for oppressive acts by public officers. The facts of the case will be given first, followed by a summary of the judgment and comment on the issues raised.