The Ogun State Task Force on Anti-Land Grabbing and Illegalities has dismantled a notorious cartel of land grabbers, aided by rogue police officers, in the Lasademo area of Ikenne Local Government in the state.

Acting on intelligence, the task force raided the location where the land grabbers, supported by heavily armed mobile police officers who were not in uniform and concealed their identities, were attempting to forcibly take over land belonging to the Lasademo family.

Sources indicated that the mobile officers allegedly provided cover for the suspected land grabbers, who were seeking to unlawfully survey the Lasademo land at Ikenne. The grabbers were reportedly tied to a judgment from the High Court of Justice, Sagamu Judicial Division of Ogun State, with suit number M/57/2013, by the Ajenise Village in Sagamu. The suspected land grabbers allegedly intended to exploit this judgment to fraudulently claim ownership of the land in question.

In their haste to escape the authorities, the perpetrators abandoned a white Toyota Siena bus, two motorcycles, four mobile phones, and other dangerous weapons at the scene when the task force arrived. Two of the police officers even threatened to kill the original landowners and community residents who assisted the task force.

A resident, speaking on the condition of anonymity, praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for establishing the task force, stating that it has brought relief to the community and restored sanity to the real estate sector.

“We are grateful to the governor for setting up this task force. They have been a game-changer in our fight against land grabbers across the state and in our quest to bring order to the real estate sector. We urge them to continue their good work until land grabbing is completely eradicated and the interests of rightful owners are adequately protected,” the resident said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd.), had previously warned that serving police officers found involved in civil matters, such as land, rent, and marital disputes, would face sanctions and have their promotions suspended. Despite this warning, approximately twelve mobile police officers were assigned to the area with orders to engage in land issues and provide protection for the land grabbers during their illegal activities.

“We call on the police authorities to investigate the misconduct and abuse of office by these officers, regardless of their rank. Their actions clearly violate the Commission’s directive that police officers should stay clear of civil matters and allow the civil courts to perform their duties,” the resident appealed.

Recall that the task force’s operation is part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to curb land grabbing and protect citizens’ rights. (Nigerian Tribune)