The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) has arrested 12 suspected land grabbers who have been terrorizing occupants of NERDC Road in the Ikeja area of the state.
The Chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, confirmed the arrest in a statement by the agency’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, on Thursday in Lagos.
Akerele said that the task force arrested the suspects based on intelligence reports from members of the public.
“The suspects were arrested following credible intelligence that they were obstructing lawful occupants from carrying out their legitimate activities.
“Reports also indicated that they assaulted one Mr. Ashafa of Prestige Hotel, Ikeja, and arrived at the scene armed with dangerous weapons.
“Part of the agency’s mandate is to prevent and completely halt the activities of land grabbers.
“Their activities, if not checked, could lead to the disruption of developmental activities and rip Lagos residents of their hard-earned money,” he said.
The chairman warned all unscrupulous individuals still engaged in the practice of land grabbing to steer clear or face the wrath of the law.
According to him, the suspects were charged to court, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
Akerele promised that the Lagos State Taskforce remains committed to ensuring law and order and will not tolerate any form of intimidation, violence, or land grabbing within the state.
He encouraged residents to report any unlawful activities to the appropriate authorities.
