A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Oke Eda, Akure, Ondo State, has ordered the remand of two suspects, Taye Abiodun Ogunmesi and Kehinde Abiodun Ogunmesi, at the Olokuta Correctional Centre over alleged land-grabbing activities.
The defendants were arraigned on Thursday following allegations that they brazenly defied multiple invitations from the Task Force while engaging in the illegal sale of parcels of land to several unsuspecting buyers, sparking disputes and eroding public trust in land transactions.
Presiding Magistrate, Omotosho, did not mince words as he expressed deep concern over the devastating impact of land grabbing on innocent citizens and warned that such reckless disregard for the law would no longer be tolerated.
Describing the allegations as serious and systemic, the court granted the defendants bail, but only under stringent conditions, with each required to provide two sureties in the sum of One Million Naira (₦1,000,000.00).
The sureties must possess verifiable landed property within the Akure Magisterial District and present valid 2026 tax clearance certificates.
Pending the perfection of these conditions, the defendants have been remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre.
The development reinforces active moves by the recently inaugurated Ondo State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force, which, in a bold and decisive move aimed at checkmating land speculators and fraudsters, has demonstrated that the era of impunity is over.
This firm judicial stance sends a powerful message that the Ondo State judiciary stands ready to protect the rights of citizens and will not allow anyone to undermine public peace and property rights.
Speaking after the proceedings, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, who also chairs the Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force, delivered a stern and unmistakable warning.
“This is just the beginning. More arrests and prosecutions are on the way. The Task Force initially adopted a humane approach, appealing to land grabbers to desist from their illegal activities and giving them ample time to turn a new leaf. But that honeymoon is now over – the window has closed. Those found wanting will be severely dealt with in accordance with the law.
“Let it be clearly understood. There will be no hiding place for land grabbers in Ondo State. Those who think they can evade the law by ignoring invitations or going into hiding are only delaying the inevitable. The law will catch up with them and when it does, it will be decisive.
“The governor has given a clear directive that this menace must be brought to an end, and we are fully committed to that mandate. The clampdown is total, sustained and uncompromising. For land grabbers, it is over.”
The AG also expressed profound appreciation to the Chief Justice of Ondo State, Hon. Justice Ayedun Olusegun Odusola, for providing the necessary judicial support for the anti-land grabbing efforts.
He commended the designation of a dedicated court and judicial officers to handle land grabbing cases, noting that the initiative has significantly enhanced the efficiency, speed and effectiveness of the prosecution process, while reinforcing the state’s resolve to decisively tackle the menace.
This development is a clear testament to the unwavering commitment of the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to restoring sanity and order in land administration across the state.
Under the dynamic and proactive leadership of Dr. Ajulo, the Task Force has injected renewed energy and seriousness into the enforcement of the Anti-Land Grabbing Law.
For the people of Ondo State, the gains are already visible and deeply felt. The law has become a formidable shield for genuine landowners and investors, drastically reducing fraudulent land sales, curbing violent clashes and restoring confidence in property dealings. What was once a nightmare of scams, double-dealing and heartbreak is gradually giving way to order, security and peace of mind.
This latest arraignment marks yet another significant milestone in the ongoing war against land grabbing. It is a loud and unmistakable declaration in Ondo State that the rule of law reigns supreme and those who choose the path of criminality will be brought to justice without fear or favour, observers contend.