Principle Statement

Every invasion of private property, be it ever so minute, is a trespass.

Ratio Decidendi (Source)

Per Katsina-Alu, JSC, in Echere & Ors v. Ezirike & Ors (2006) NLC-123-350-2001(SC) at p. 9; Paras C–D.

"The law is that every invasion of private property, be it ever so minute, is a trespass. The evidence that the Respondents went on two pieces of the land in dispute clearly makes them liable to an action in trespass."

Explanation / Scope

Any unauthorised entry onto private property, no matter how small, constitutes trespass. The principle applies to tort law.

Cases Applying This Principle