Three communities in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State—Ladesuwasi, Jagun Beluwo, and Maleke—have raised alarm over alleged intimidation, harassment, and illegal land occupation by police operatives said to be acting on behalf of a convicted fraudster.
In a petition addressed to the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) and obtained by our correspondent on Sunday, the communities accused the police of enabling a large-scale land grab spanning over 200 acres along Oba Erinwole Road, Sagamu.
The petition was jointly signed by representatives of the affected communities, including Mr. Oladipupo, Mr. Olutayo Ogunyemi, Alhaji Suleiman Ofunyin, Alhaji Poku Bowale, and Prince Oluwaseun Opaleye for Ladesuwasi; Samson Sotunbo and Mike Sotunbo for Maleke; and Mr. Samson Awofeso and Ahmed Shittu for Jagun Beluwo.
Land Grab Allegations Linked to Convicted Fraudster
The communities alleged that in 2019, one Mr. Kolawole Adedayo Erinle, who legally purchased four acres of land from the Maleke family, illegally fenced and encroached upon more than 200 acres of land belonging to the other two communities.
Erinle, who is currently serving a 12-year jail sentence for a $1.4 million fraud involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was accused of enlisting armed police officers to intimidate community members and forcefully take over the land.
“Even from prison, Erinle is allegedly coordinating the activities of these operatives who remain stationed on the land, harassing, assaulting, and arresting rightful landowners,” the petition reads.
The petitioners further claimed that farming and construction activities have been halted, while residents attempting to assert ownership are frequently assaulted or detained by police.
Community Efforts Frustrated
Despite repeated reports to the Sagamu Area Command and the Ogun State Police Command headquarters at Eleweran, Abeokuta, the communities said no meaningful action has been taken.
“It appears the involved officers have been compromised,” the communities wrote. “Our people live in fear, unable to work on their land, and subjected to constant abuse. We are appealing to the PCC to urgently investigate and intervene.”
Police Response
Reacting to the development, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed awareness of the matter.
“Yes, the command is aware of this incident, and I have already directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to look into the matter,” the CP told reporters.
Call for Justice and Peace
The communities are calling for immediate investigation, withdrawal of security operatives from the disputed land, and prosecution of those involved in the alleged land grabbing and abuse of power.
The petition underscores growing concerns over the use of police for private enforcement, especially in land disputes across Nigeria—a practice that has led to increased tension, displacement, and violence in many rural and peri-urban communities.
