Task force arrests 12 for alleged land grabbing in Lagos

Twelve people accused of land grabbing in the Alausa area of Lagos State have been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Task Force.

This was confirmed on Thursday by the Task Force spokesperson, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, in a statement signed by him and made available to Tribune Online.

The Task Force’s Director of Public Affairs said, “The Lagos State Task Force has arrested and prosecuted twelve (12) suspected land grabbers who were reportedly terrorizing occupants of NERDC Road, Alausa, Ikeja.

“The suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence that they were obstructing lawful occupants from carrying out their legitimate activities.

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Reports also indicated that they assaulted one Mr. Ashafa of Prestige Hotel, Ikeja, and arrived at the scene armed with dangerous weapons.

“The operation is part of the agency’s mandate to prevent and completely halt the activities of land grabbers across the state, whose activities, if unchecked, could disrupt developmental projects and rob Lagosians of their hard-earned money.”

According to him, “The Chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, who personally arrested the 12 suspects, sounded a note of warning to any unscrupulous individuals still involved in land grabbing. He stated that the agency will not sit back and watch Lagosians get cheated out of their landed property or structures.”

Following their arrest, the suspects were charged to court, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. The court has adjourned the case until March 26, 2025, for further proceedings.

Meanwhile, the accused persons were granted bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two sureties per suspect. One of the sureties must be a civil servant not below Level 14, while the second must either be a relative, a clergy member, or a community leader.

The Lagos State Task Force remains committed to ensuring law and order and will not tolerate any form of intimidation, violence, or land grabbing within the state. Residents are encouraged to report any unlawful activities to the appropriate authorities.

 

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