LEGAL PRINCIPLE: LAND LAW — Compulsory Acquisition — Notice of Acquisition Must Be Specific and Precise
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
A notice of acquisition of property must be specific and precise as to the property acquired. A vague and ambiguous definition of the property which is capable of more than one interpretation as to its precise location cannot be valid in law.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Tobi, JSC, in Provost Lagos State College of Education & Ors v. Edun & Ors (2004) NLC-481999(SC) at pp. 21–22; Paras E–A.
"A notice of acquisition of property must be specific and precise as to the property acquired. A vague and ambiguous definition of the property which is capable of more than one interpretation as to its precise location cannot be valid in law."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Compulsory acquisition notices must be specific and precise about the property acquired. Vague or ambiguous descriptions that allow multiple interpretations are invalid. The principle applies to land law and compulsory acquisition. The rule protects property owners from vague government takings. The notice must clearly identify the location and boundaries. Ambiguity renders the acquisition notice void.
