A Lagos-based businessman, Olufemi Fasehun, has raised concerns over alleged illegal police activities, including repeated lockups of homes and businesses, allegedly orchestrated by officers acting in collision with land grabbers.

The owner of the property, located at 10, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos State, appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police, Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos, Adegoke Fayoade, to address the situation.

According to Fasehun, the land in question was lawfully acquired by his father in 1961 and remains duly registered with the Lagos State land registry at Alausa.

“This property is not only our home but also our legacy. We have been here for over 60 years. However, since my father’s passing in 2004, land grabbers have been threatening us. Now, with the alleged backing of some rogue officers, the harassment has intensified,” he lamented.

He identified one Mr. Williams as a known land grabber claiming to act as a consultant for unnamed Omo Onile (local landowners), allegedly leading multiple invasions on the premises. Fasehun recounted that on June 4, 2025, police officers locked up the family residence, a restaurant run by a tenant (Paradox), and adjoining buildings under occupation. No valid court order or warrant was presented during the lock-up.

“They arrested everyone and returned twice on June 5 and again on June 20. I was shocked to later learn that I am being charged to court for contempt. Contempt for living in my own home?” Fasehun questioned.

He claimed that the police, led by one CSP Taofeek Tijani, acted without a sheriff, in violation of due legal process.

“They stormed the property like armed robbers, no papers, no documentation. This is not policing; it is a disgrace,” he expressed.

Fasehun said that the continued lock-up had left over 50 people jobless, including members of staff of Paradox restaurant and affected new homeowners who are unable to move into their completed apartments.

“We have provided our title documents. The opposing party is relying on vague customary claims. It’s now a banana republic where guns decide property rights,” he added.

Fasehun appealed directly to the AIG and IGP to urgently address the matter, stating that the actions of the officers are tarnishing the reputation of the AIG.

“People are afraid to invest in Nigeria because of this,” he said.

Corroborating the claims, Dr Gbenga Eretan, a lawyer representing Fasehun, criticised the police’s conduct, describing it as unlawful, unprofessional, and unconstitutional.

“This matter had already been investigated and concluded by Force CID Alagbon. Rather than proceed to arraignment, they reverted to Zone 2 to reopen investigations, which is improper,” Eretan stated.

He cited Section 31 of the Police Act, 2020, which mandates that completed investigation report must be forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice.

The police, he said, have no power to literally take citizens to court, yet, they are preparing charges in their offices and proceeding to court without DPP input.

Eretan also condemned the eviction of Paradox restaurant’s owner as unlawful, saying: “This is a tenancy matter governed by the Lagos State Tenancy Law. The police have no role in evicting tenants. Section 32 of the Police Act forbids intervention in civil matters.”

He, therefore, called for an immediate directive from the DIG to the AIG Zone 2 to return the case to Alagbon and ensure all erring officers face disciplinary action.

“We are not slaves. Citizens must be protected from institutional abuse,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, the Spokesperson for Zone 2, SP Ayuba Tunni Umma, is yet to respond to inquiries sent despite several efforts.