***Suspects Remanded in Olokuta as Government vows Sweeping Arrests and Tougher Enforcement Against Fraudulent Land Dealers
The Ondo State Government has intensified its crackdown on land grabbing, arraigning two suspects before a Magistrate Court in Akure over alleged illegal land transactions and defiance of official summons.
The defendants, Taye Abiodun Ogunmesi and Kehinde Abiodun Ogunmesi, were on Thursday brought before a Magistrate Court sitting in Oke Eda, Akure, following allegations that they sold multiple parcels of land to unsuspecting buyers, thereby triggering disputes and undermining confidence in property dealings.
Presiding Magistrate, Omotosho, expressed concern over the growing menace of land grabbing and its impact on innocent citizens. The court granted the defendants bail in the sum of ₦1 million each, with two sureties apiece.
The sureties are required to possess verifiable landed property within the Akure Magisterial District and present valid 2026 tax clearance certificates.
Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, the defendants were remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre.
Speaking after the court proceedings, the Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), who also chairs the Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force, warned that the state would intensify its enforcement actions against offenders.
He said the government had initially adopted a conciliatory approach by engaging suspected land grabbers and urging them to desist from illegal activities, but noted that the grace period had ended.
According to him, “This is just the beginning. More arrests and prosecutions will follow. Those who ignore lawful invitations or attempt to evade justice will be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
Ajulo reiterated the state government’s resolve to eliminate land grabbing, stressing that there would be no safe haven for perpetrators.
He also commended the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, for supporting the initiative through the designation of a special court to handle land-related offences, a move he said has improved the speed and efficiency of prosecutions.
The Attorney-General further reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to restoring order in land administration, noting that the ongoing enforcement drive has begun to yield positive results.
Observers say the renewed clampdown has helped to curb fraudulent land sales, reduce disputes, and rebuild public confidence in property transactions across the state.
The arraignment of the Ogunmesi brothers marks the latest step in the government’s broader effort to tackle land grabbing and enforce the rule of law in Ondo State.
