Alaka Land: Property Owners Allege Intimidation By Armed Police
Property owners in the Alaka area of Lagos State have accused armed police officers of intimidation and unlawful interference after they were confronted during an inspection visit to their land, despite an existing judicial order directing that all security operatives withdraw from the disputed property.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, February 25, unfolded when the landowners proceeded to the location for what they described as a routine assessment of their holdings, following a court ruling that ordered the removal of officers previously stationed on the site.
According to the landowners, they arrived in a positive mood and began examining their individual plots, taking photographs, recording videos, and holding discussions on plans to initiate development. The situation reportedly deteriorated when the armed officers at the location approached them, queried their presence, and allegedly issued threats, including warnings that they could be shot.
One of the landowners, Tolani Agbajobi who spoke to journalists after the incident, described the encounter as disturbing and difficult to comprehend. She questioned why law enforcement officers, whose mandate is to protect citizens and uphold the law, would continue occupying land that a court had expressly ordered them to vacate.
Agbajobi explained that the visit marked a long-awaited moment for several owners who had been denied access to the property for an extended period. She noted that the continued deployment of armed personnel at the site, in clear defiance of a subsisting court order, raises serious questions about respect for judicial authority and adherence to lawful directives.
He further appealed to the current Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to take decisive steps to reinforce discipline within the Nigeria Police Force by ensuring that officers comply fully with court judgments and instructions issued by superior authorities.
Another affected landowner, who identified himself simply as Samuel Mayor (not real name), also voiced concern over the development, describing it as a reflection of a broader culture of impunity. He questioned how officers could openly disregard court decisions and directives from the leadership of the Police Force without apparent consequences.
The incident has drawn attention to previous public statements made by the immediate past Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who had warned that officers involved in escorting parties for land recovery operations would be sanctioned. Egbetokun had stressed that such activities fall outside the constitutional responsibilities of the Force and could undermine its integrity and public image
