Ikeja, Lagos – Twelve individuals suspected of instilling fear among locals and interfering with commercial activities in the Alausa area of Ikeja, Lagos, have been taken into custody and brought before the court. The arrests, carried out by the Lagos State Task Force, followed numerous reports of disruption and intimidation targeting lawful occupants of properties.
The Task Force, acting on reliable intelligence, swooped down on the alleged land grabbers, who were said to be armed with dangerous weapons. Sources indicate that their activities had escalated to the point of physical assault, with Mr. Ashafa, the proprietor of Prestige Hotel in Ikeja, reportedly among their victims. The timing of the arrest was not disclosed.
Chief Superintendent of Police Adetayo Akerele, Chairman of the Task Force, personally led the operation, sending a strong warning that land grabbing will not be accepted in Lagos State. This agency will not stand idly by while Lagosians are defrauded of their hard-earned properties and structures by these deceitful individuals, Akerele declared. He urged residents to be vigilant and promptly report any instances of land grabbing or intimidation to the authorities, assuring them of the Task Force’s unwavering commitment to upholding law and order.
The twelve suspects were swiftly arraigned on charges related to land grabbing and public disturbance. They all pleaded not guilty. The presiding judge, whose name was not released, adjourned the case to March 26th for further hearings.
The court, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations, granted bail to each suspect in the sum of N500,000. The conditions attached to the bail are stringent: each suspect must provide two sureties. The court stipulated that one surety must be a civil servant of at least Level 14, demonstrating a degree of financial stability and responsibility. The second surety must be either a close relative of the accused, a respected religious leader, or a recognized community leader, ensuring a connection to the community and a degree of oversight. The names of the suspects were not released to the press.
