24/11/2025
If you abandon your land and a trespasser occupies it for 12 years while you take no steps to claim ownership, you can legally lose your right to that property.
The trespasser can even challenge you in court — and you may not recover the land, even if you have all the documents.
This is where the doctrine of “laches and acquiescence” works against you for sleeping on your rights.
It aligns with the legal maxim: “Equity aids the vigilant, not the indolent.”
✔️ If you own land, take steps to show possession:
Fence it (even if it’s just a short perimeter fence).
Plant something on it.
Visit regularly.
Let neighbors around know you are the owner.
Always inspect the land to ensure no one has encroached or started building on it.
✔️ If you discover trespass:
Act immediately. Raise alarm, report, and reclaim your land before time works against you.
If you keep quiet and say “I’ll come for it when I’m ready”, you may return one day to discover you’ve lost the land without knowing when the 12 years elapsed.
✔️ And to the trespassers…
If you’ve occupied someone’s land openly, continuously, and peacefully for 12 years — and the owner kept silent — you can legally file to claim ownership.
At that point, it’s practically a gift from the negligent owner. 🤣🤣
Be vigilant. Protect your investment. Property doesn’t defend itself — owners do.
I remain PROPERTY MAGNET LTD — your surest Real Estate partner and trusted Property Manager.
Let us professionally secure, monitor, and manage your properties while you’re away.
Shine Ahazimnkem
D' Property Magnet Ltd
