12 suspected land grabbers arraigned in Lagos
The Lagos State Task Force has arrested and charged 12 suspected land grabbers accused of terrorizing residents along NERDC Road in Alausa, Ikeja, to court.
Disclosing this in a statement on Thursday, the task force spokesperson, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said the suspects were nabbed following multiple complaints of harassment and intimidation from lawful occupants in the area.
Suspects Allegedly Armed, Assaulted Resident
“The Lagos State Task Force arrested and prosecuted 12 suspected land grabbers who were reportedly obstructing residents from carrying out their legitimate activities,” Abdulraheem stated.
He further revealed that the suspects allegedly assaulted one Mr. Ashafa of Prestige Hotel, Ikeja, and arrived at the scene armed with dangerous weapons.
Court Grants Bail, Adjourns Case
Following their arraignment, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two sureties per suspect.
“One surety must be a civil servant not below Level 14, while the second must either be a relation, a clergy, or a community leader,” Abdulraheem added.
The court has adjourned the case till March 26, 2025, for further proceedings.
Task Force Issues Stern Warning
Reacting to the arraignment, Task Force Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reiterated the agency’s commitment to eradicating land-grabbing activities in Lagos.
“The agency will not sit back and watch Lagosians get cheated out of their landed property or structures,” Akerele warned.
He emphasised that unchecked land-grabbing could hinder developmental projects and defraud hardworking Lagosians of their property.
Akerele, who personally led the operation to arrest the suspects, assured residents that the state government remains committed to protecting their rights against illegal landgrabbers.
