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Claims Retired Customs Officer, Estate Leaders Attempted Forceful Takeover of Property Access
By Step Rights Magazine
A property owner in Mowe, Ogun State, Mr. Alabi Michael Ayotoyinbo, has accused a retired Nigerian Customs officer and other individuals of orchestrating what he described as years of intimidation, unlawful interference, and police-backed harassment over a disputed access road leading to his residence.
Ayotoyinbo alleged that the dispute began after his neighbour, Mrs. Morenikeji Bewaji Oke, reportedly approached him with an offer to purchase the access road serving as the driveway to his property — a request he said he rejected.
According to him, tensions escalated shortly after his refusal, with alleged attempts made to block his entrance and claim ownership of the disputed portion of land.
Speaking on the matter, Ayotoyinbo alleged that certain estate elders, including retired military officers, supported efforts to prevent him from accessing his property.
“My neighbour approached me to purchase my access road, which is the driveway to my house. I refused to sell it. After that, they allegedly ganged up against me and forcefully blocked my gate,” he claimed.
Alleged Police Involvement and Detention
Ayotoyinbo further alleged that the disagreement later drew the involvement of police officers after a gate erected on the disputed access route was removed.
According to him, heavily armed officers allegedly stormed the area during the incident.
“The police came with patrol vans, bomb squad vehicles, and several armed officers,” he alleged.
He claimed that following the confrontation, he was detained and subsequently transferred to prison custody, where he allegedly spent four days between July 9 and July 12, 2021.
The property owner also alleged that despite intervention from government authorities and favourable court rulings, the harassment persisted.
According to him, officials from Ogun State Physical Planning reportedly inspected the location and confirmed that the disputed portion formed part of his setback and legitimate access route.
Court Proceedings and Ongoing Dispute
Ayotoyinbo stated that the matter later proceeded to court, where decisions allegedly supported the findings of the physical planning authority.
However, he claimed the dispute remains unresolved, alleging that repeated adjournments and changes of legal representation have delayed final determination of the matter before the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta.
Supporting parts of Ayotoyinbo’s claims, a former legal officer associated with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Barrister Ayodele Oladeji, reportedly stated that the complainant occupied the land through an earlier settlement arrangement involving the church.
A former Ogun State Physical Planning official also reportedly confirmed handling aspects of the dispute while serving in Mowe several years ago.
Accused Party Denies Allegations
Responding to the allegations, Mrs. Morenikeji Bewaji Oke denied claims of harassment, intimidation, or abuse of power.
She maintained that the disagreement was primarily between Ayotoyinbo and the community land vendor, identified as Rasheed Osanyinbi, also known as “Razor,” whom she described as the Baale of the area.
Mrs. Oke also denied contacting security agencies to unlawfully arrest or detain anyone, insisting that she had no involvement in the complainant’s imprisonment.
She further argued that relevant authorities found no irregularities in her ownership claims and stated that the case remains pending before the court.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
The incident has raised broader concerns regarding the role of law enforcement agencies in civil land disputes and the protection of citizens from unlawful detention or intimidation.
Under Nigerian law, disputes relating to land ownership are generally civil matters expected to be resolved through lawful judicial processes rather than coercive enforcement tactics.
Legal experts have repeatedly warned against the use of police powers to determine ownership claims in private property disputes, emphasizing that such actions could violate constitutional protections relating to personal liberty and fair hearing.
Human rights advocates also note that allegations of intimidation through state institutions, if proven, could undermine public confidence in the justice system and the rule of law.
Public Enlightenment
Citizens involved in property disputes are advised to:
- maintain proper land documentation,
- avoid self-help or violent confrontation,
- report unlawful threats to appropriate authorities,
- and seek judicial resolution through competent courts.
Legal analysts also advise that police authorities should exercise caution in civil disputes to avoid perceptions of bias, abuse of power, or unlawful detention.
As proceedings reportedly continue before the Ogun State High Court, observers say the outcome may further clarify the rights and obligations of parties involved in land-access disputes and the lawful limits of police intervention in civil matters.