₦airaland Forum

Good morning house,

I'm Philip, I live in Abuja.
Pls I have a question to ask so I can know the next step of action.
My inlaws came to my house, picked up there daughter and my child in my absence, I got back home and found my house locked, slept outside and the next morning I broke my door and found out my valuables (including laptops, jewelries and items I sell) is missing.

Now am helpless and I want to approach the court, how do I go about it.


Thank you.

If those valuables are under your ownership and you didn't gift them to her, then go to the police station and open a case of theft.

Jezreeltv:
Good morning house,

I'm Philip, I live in Abuja.
Pls I have a question to ask so I can know the next step of action.
My inlaws came to my house, picked up there daughter and my child in my absence, I got back home and found my house locked, slept outside and the next morning I broke my door and found out my valuables (including laptops, jewelries and items I sell) is missing.

Now am helpless and I want to approach the court, how do I go about it.


Thank you.

Seems like you started the story from the end, so one can't really advise adequately. But with respect to your missing property alone the ideal thing is to file a police report.

File a police report first concerning your missing properties

Jezreeltv:
➜Good morning house, I'm Philip, I live in Abuja. Pls I have a question to ask so I can know the next step of action. My inlaws came to my house, picked up there daughter and my child in my absence, I got back home and found my house locked, slept outside and the next morning I broke my door and found out my valuables (including laptops, jewelries and items I sell) is missing. Now am helpless and I want to approach the court, how do I go about it. Thank you.

Have you at least reported the kidnapping of your child to the police, or are you more concerned at this time with the stolen property? Also, how certain are you that your in-laws did it? Did your wife inform you of this, or who did? A witness?

Report the situation to the police first. A record of the event needs to be available for the courts to move forward. Then you can approach a lawyer and go from there.

How can your in-laws wake up one morning take Thier baths and come to your house to do those things you mentioned up there.

From your own side of the story........

It seems your in-laws are more financially stronger & influential than you, else you know what to do.

Tell us the full story na... haba

So, i guess your in-laws have become mad people that will wake up one morning and decide to remove their daughter from a very peaceful and harmonious marriage.

Very funny guy!
Marriage is not by force, it doesn’t run on free mode neither does it sort itself out. It needs intentionality and work to be put into it.

About your missing properties, please report to the police so they help you to get them back. As for YOUR child, s/he is at the right place. I’m sure you weren’t expecting the mother to abandon the child while finding her own safety.

All the best Oga!

Jezreeltv:
Good morning house,

I'm Philip, I live in Abuja.
Pls I have a question to ask so I can know the next step of action.
My inlaws came to my house, picked up there daughter and my child in my absence, I got back home and found my house locked, slept outside and the next morning I broke my door and found out my valuables (including laptops, jewelries and items I sell) is missing.

Now am helpless and I want to approach the court, how do I go about it.


Thank you.

This story is full of holes. Nobody will come and carry their daughter when she's happily married

This kind 'straight to the point ', story .
How were you treating your wife before her people came to carry abi rescue her.

The women on the thread have started taking sides with their gender. To them, the man is always wrong.

Hi Philip, thank you for sharing this — I'm really sorry you're going through such a distressing situation. Here's how you can go about resolving this legally and properly in Abuja, step by step:

1. Report to the Police Immediately
Before approaching the court, you need to report this to the police, because:

It involves theft (your valuables were taken).

Illegal entry and locking of your home.

Possible child custody interference, if they took your child without your consent.

Go to the nearest police station with:

A formal written complaint.

Proof of ownership of the stolen items (receipts, pictures, bank transfers, etc.).

Names and possible addresses of your in-laws.

Any communication or witnesses you have.

The police may invite your in-laws for questioning, open an investigation, and possibly retrieve your items.

2. Consult a Lawyer
Next, get a family and property lawyer (even a legal aid lawyer if you're low on funds). A lawyer will help you:

Write a formal legal petition.

Understand your rights regarding the child, especially if you're married and share custody.

File civil or criminal charges if necessary (e.g. trespassing, theft).

3. File a Complaint in Court
Your lawyer can file:

A civil suit for trespass and theft.

A family court petition if custody of your child is now in dispute.

A request for a restraining order if you feel unsafe.

Depending on the facts, you may file in:

Magistrate Court – for theft and unlawful entry.

High Court (FCT) – for serious civil matters or if damages exceed a certain amount.

Family Court – for child custody or domestic relations.

4. Gather All Evidence
Before or while working with your lawyer:

Write down everything that happened (timeline of events).

Take photos of your broken door and the emptied house.

Keep copies of receipts, bank alerts, business inventories, or product photos to show what was stolen.

Screenshot any chats or calls with your in-laws about the incident.

5. Consider Mediation (Optional)
If you're still legally married and want to avoid long legal battles, your lawyer or court might suggest family mediation. This only works if your safety and property are not in danger.


---

Optional Contacts
If you don’t know a lawyer yet, try:
Legal Aid Council of Nigeria – Abuja
📍 No 22, Port Harcourt Crescent, Off Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.
☎️ 09 290 0190
🕒 Mon-Fri, 9am – 4pm

Jezreeltv:
Good morning house,

I'm Philip, I live in Abuja.
Pls I have a question to ask so I can know the next step of action.
My inlaws came to my house, picked up there daughter and my child in my absence, I got back home and found my house locked, slept outside and the next morning I broke my door and found out my valuables (including laptops, jewelries and items I sell) is missing.

Now am helpless and I want to approach the court, how do I go about it.


Thank you.

thesicilian:
Seems like you started the story from the end, so one can't really advise adequately. But with respect to your missing property alone the ideal thing is to file a police report.

Exactly...what were the issues that led to them taking such action he didnt state. It wasnt a one day decision..

So you guys believe this Cooked up stories

I am suspecting u are a woman beater?

How I know them is,they usually dish out half baked story so as to get pitied.

But if I am wrong in my assertions,then what exactly happened?

Remember,the police would ask u more question.