The Lagos State Task Force has arrested and arraigned 12 individuals accused of forcefully seizing land and intimidating residents along NERDC Road in Alausa, Ikeja.
In a statement on Thursday, the agency’s spokesperson, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said the arrests followed multiple complaints from affected residents who reported cases of harassment and obstruction.
Abdulraheem disclosed that the suspects allegedly attacked a resident, identified as Mr. Ashafa from Prestige Hotel, Ikeja, and arrived at the scene with dangerous weapons.
“The Lagos State Task Force arrested and prosecuted 12 suspected land grabbers who were reportedly obstructing residents from carrying out their legitimate activities,” he stated.
The suspects, who pleaded not guilty, were granted bail in the sum of N500,000 each. The court mandated that each accused person must provide two sureties—one being a civil servant not below Grade Level 14 and the other a relative, clergy, or community leader.
The case has been adjourned to March 26, 2025, for further proceedings.
Reacting to the arrests, Task Force Chairman CSP Adetayo Akerele reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to combat land-grabbing in Lagos.
“We will not allow Lagosians to be cheated out of their properties by criminals,” Akerele warned. “Uncontrolled land-grabbing not only defrauds hardworking citizens but also obstructs developmental projects in the state.”
Akerele, who personally led the operation, assured residents that the government is committed to protecting their rights and tackling illegal land acquisition.
