Landlords who treat a possession judgment as the conclusion of the case are frequently surprised to find the tenant remains in occupation weeks or months later. A judgment for possession still requires a warrant of possession to be applied for, issued and executed by the appropriate court bailiffs — a distinct procedural phase with its own delays and pitfalls.
Applying for the warrant promptly
A delay in applying for the warrant after judgment gives a resisting tenant time to file an appeal or a stay application, potentially reopening the enforcement question the landlord assumed was settled. Moving immediately to secure the warrant preserves the momentum the judgment created.
A judgment for possession is a legal entitlement. A warrant, properly executed, is what actually gets the keys back.
Execution logistics matter
Bailiff execution requires coordination — scheduling, ensuring adequate security presence where resistance is anticipated, and documenting the state of the premises at handover to forestall a later dispute about damage or missing fixtures.
Anticipating resistance
Where a tenant is likely to resist physical execution, coordinating with the police in advance, and ensuring the warrant and underlying judgment are readily available on-site, avoids the execution stalling on a technicality raised in the moment.
This note is general commentary on Nigerian legal practice and does not constitute legal advice or create a lawyer–client relationship. Outcomes depend on the specific facts and the applicable law at the time. For advice on a particular matter, speak with the firm.
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