Two missing, as land grabbers invade Ogun community
By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
Two persons, Wale Oyedeji and Ibrahim Shagari have been declared missing in Ijere Onigbedu, via Mowe in Obafemi/Owode local government area of Ogun State, when thugs suspected to be land grabbers invaded the community on Friday afternoon.
The community leader and head of Akinyemi Ogundimu family, Rev. Olatunji Abiodun Akinyemi, who disclosed this to Vanguard in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, accused one Adelakun Sulaiman of masterminding the attack, which he claimed was part of a long-standing land dispute in the community.
He said despite obtaining favorable judgments from both the High Court and Appeal Court, Adelakun continues to terrorize the family and cause unrest in the community.
Akinyemi alleged that Adelakun, despite currently facing criminal charges at the Chief Magistrate Court, Owode Egba, led armed thugs to invade the Ijere Onigbedu area via Mowe, leaving two family members, Wale Oyedeji and Ibrahim Shagari, missing.
In a viral video cited by our Correspondent, thugs numbering about 20 were seen with dangerous weapons, including cutlass, shooting sporadically.
The community leader accused Adelakun of threatening to kill him if the Ogundimu family refused relinquish ownership of the land, while carrying out attacks on the community.
Rev. Akinyemi said, the family has obtained judgement from a High Court in the State in favour of the family, while an Appeal Court has also affirmed the judgement.
He said, “We have obtained a High Court judgment and an Appeal Court judgment in our favour, affirming our rightful ownership of the land.
Though, Adelakun is currently facing criminal charges at the Chief Magistrate Court, Owode Egba. Despite this he led a group of armed thugs and invaded our community.
Prince Harry, Meghan accept invitation to visit Nigeria
The family said despite his criminal record and ongoing court case, Adelakun has continued to wreak havoc, and his latest attack has left the community in fear.
He added, “Adelakun, a notorious land grabber and thug, has continued to harass and intimidate us, using a group of youths from the community whom he has recruited and armed.
“Adelakun and his gang have escalated their criminal activities, even resorting to robbery and stealing valuable belongings from one of our community members.
“Sulaiman Adelakun’s modus operandi involves the use of firearms, including guns loaded with live cartridges, to intimidate and harm anyone who dares to oppose him during his violent attacks.
He described Adelakun’s action as threat to peace and security in the state, saying that his continued freedom ‘is a slap on the face of justice’.
“While we appreciate the efforts of the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, and his team, who have tried to intervene, more needs to be done to ensure our safety and security in the community.”
Another reliable source in the community, who doesn’t want his name mentioned, alleged that Adelakun has a history of violence and intimidation, stressing that he has been using his thugs to terrorize communities and take over their land.
Rev. Akinyemi has therefore appealed to Ogun State government to take decisive action to checkmate the excesses of Adelakun in order to prevent further violence and bloodshed in the community.
“Government should see Adelakun as a security risk and deal with him decisively, to prevent further violence and bloodshed.
“We are demanding that the government and the security agencies should take immediate action to protect us from Adelakun’s terror and ensure that he faces the full wrath of the law.”
Efforts to get reaction from the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola prove abortive, as calls and messages sent to her phone were not responded to as at the time of filing this report.
