LAGOS ROYAL FAMILY ACCUSES POLICE OFFICERS OF FRUSTRATING LAND INVESTIGATION

The Olarinde Royal Family of Oguntedo Village, Satellite Town, Lagos State, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, over allegations that some police officers are shielding individuals accused of forcefully taking over family land. The family alleged that officers attached to different formations in Lagos had abused their authority, intimidated members of the family and hindered investigations into reported violent incidents connected to the disputed property.

In the petition signed by Prince Yussuf Olarinde on behalf of the family, the complainants specifically mentioned officers attached to Satellite Police Station, Area E Command, the Area E Tactical Team and the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department. They alleged that these officers had either aided activities they described as land grabbing or frustrated complaints and investigations against those accused of taking over the property. The petition was also copied to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, the Commissioner of Police heading the X-Squad Unit and the Police Service Commission.

The family claimed that the disputed New Oguntedo Village and Satellite Town settlement was created and allocated to the Olarinde Royal Family following a government acquisition and resettlement exercise carried out by the Federal Military Government in 1978. According to the petitioners, their claim to the property has now become the subject of a prolonged dispute, with the family alleging that some individuals are attempting to take control of their ancestral land through intimidation and unlawful means.

The petitioners further alleged that attempts to seek police protection and have reported incidents investigated had instead resulted in what they described as harassment and intimidation by some officers. They are therefore asking the Inspector-General of Police and other senior authorities to intervene, review the conduct of the officers mentioned and ensure that investigations into the alleged land-grabbing activities and attacks on family members are conducted without interference.

The allegations come amid continuing concerns over land disputes and claims of unlawful property takeovers in Lagos. The family’s petition now places the matter before senior police authorities, who will be expected to examine the allegations and determine whether any officers breached their duties or improperly interfered with investigations. The claims made by the Olarinde family remain allegations and have not been established by a court.