…court orders strict bail conditions, remands suspects at Olokuta facility
In a bold and decisive move sending shockwaves through land speculators and fraudsters, the Ondo State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force has once again demonstrated that the era of impunity is over.
On Thursday, two individuals long on the Task Force’s radar, Taye Abiodun Ogunmesi and Kehinde Abiodun Ogunmesi, were arraigned before the Magistrate Court sitting in Oke Eda, Akure.
The brothers are alleged to have 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. 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 - each must provide two sureties in the sum of One Million Naira (₦1,000,000.00) each.
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.
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 Attorney-General 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.
The message is ringing loud and clear - land grabbers, your time is up.
