Matilda Omonaiye/
In a move against land grabbing, the Lagos State Taskforce has arrested and prosecuted 12 suspected land grabbers accused of terrorizing residents and business owners along NERDC Road in Alausa, Ikeja.
According to a statement from the agency, the suspects were nabbed following credible intelligence that they were obstructing lawful occupants from carrying out their legitimate activities. Reports also revealed that the suspects allegedly assaulted one Mr. Ashafa, a staff member of Prestige Hotel, Ikeja, and stormed the area armed with dangerous weapons.
Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, who personally led the operation, reiterated the agency’s commitment to eradicating land grabbing across the state. He issued a stern warning to individuals involved in such criminal activities, emphasizing that the government will not stand by while Lagosians are cheated out of their hard-earned property.
The arrested suspects have since been arraigned in court, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case has been adjourned to March 26, 2025, for further proceedings. Meanwhile, the accused were granted bail set at ₦500,000 each, with stringent conditions requiring two sureties per suspect—one of whom must be a civil servant not below Level 14, while the other must be a relative, clergy, or community leader.
The Lagos State Taskforce reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining law and order, urging residents to report any instances of land grabbing or intimidation to the appropriate authorities.
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