Lawyer Stan Alieke Tells Homeless People to Occupy Vacant Properties, Citing Ownership by Long Stay

Abuja-based lawyer Stan Alieke has sparked debate by advising homeless individuals to move into abandoned buildings, claiming that long-term occupation could eventually grant them legal ownership.

According to Alieke, the legal principle of adverse possession allows a person to apply for ownership of a property if they’ve lived in it uninterrupted for a certain period without challenge from the original owner. He explained that if no one comes forward to reclaim an abandoned property, an occupant may be entitled to seek legal title.

He shared the advice in a recent social media post.