Deeper Life Church Sued Over Alleged Encroachment, Demolition of Property

Sterling Precision Limited has dragged the Deeper Christian Life Ministry before the Ogun State High Court over an alleged encroachment on a disputed one-acre parcel of land in Ososa Village, Sagamu, seeking recovery of the property, damages for trespass and an order preventing further interference.

The company accused the church of allegedly taking over part of its land, demolishing sections of its perimeter fence and disrupting construction work at Ewu Bowun, Ososa Village.

In its court filings, Sterling Precision claimed it acquired 20 plots of land from the Joshua Oyetunde Soneye-Vaughan family in 2010, supported by a deed of assignment and a survey plan.

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The company alleged that about one acre of the property was later included in error in the implementation of a settlement reached in an earlier suit, marked HCS/47/2020, between Deeper Christian Life Ministry and members of the Soneye-Vaughan family.

Sterling Precision maintained that it was not a party to the earlier proceedings and had neither transferred the disputed land to the church nor authorised anyone to do so on its behalf.

The applicant claimed in its witness statement on oath that a joint boundary inspection involving surveyors and police representatives indicated that the disputed portion fell within its property.

The company further alleged that efforts to resolve the disagreement were unsuccessful and that church representatives halted its fencing work, covered excavated foundation trenches and demolished parts of its existing perimeter fence.

It also alleged that the church later began fresh foundation work on the disputed portion despite the unresolved ownership claim.

Sterling Precision said the alleged actions prevented it from completing its perimeter fence, securing the property and proceeding with its planned development.

The company is therefore asking the court to declare it the lawful owner of the disputed one-acre parcel, order recovery of possession and award damages for alleged trespass.

It also seeks a perpetual injunction restraining the church, its agents, servants, and privies from further entering, occupying, developing, or otherwise interfering with the disputed land.

The defendant is yet to file it response to the suit.

At the last sitting of the court the trial judge, Justice Martins Akinyemi granted permission for the second defendant, Dr. Felicia Temidayo Soneye-Vaughan, to be served court processes through her WhatsApp platform.

The court had adjourned the case to January 21, 2027 for continuation of hearing.