Lukman Imam, counsel to Magodo Property Development Company, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, over the alleged unlawful takeover of a Lagos property by police officers.

In the petition dated November 14, 2025, Imam said his client lawfully acquired the land located at 24 Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, from the Federal Government for N1.015 billion, but another claimant has since emerged, triggering a dispute.

He explained that although the police had begun investigating the conflicting claims, officers allegedly stormed the property and sealed it without justification.

According to him, Magodo Property Development Company subsequently approached the Federal High Court in Lagos and secured an order directing that the premises be unsealed.

However, despite the court’s directive, police officers allegedly remained stationed on the land.

He accused the Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force on Land Grabbers, Adetayo Akerele, of using police personnel to block access to the property, even in defiance of the subsisting court order.

The lawyer stressed that the police lacked the legal authority to seal or take possession of a private property over a civil land dispute.

“Our client purchased the land at 24 Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, from the Federal Government through the Presidential Implementation Committee for the sum of N1,015,000,000. Evidence of purchase is attached,” the petition reads.

“Our client had always maintained possession of the land until one Chief Asogbon arrived with thugs in an attempt to forcibly dispossess them. Alarmed by this illegality, our client petitioned Zone 2 Command, where both parties were instructed to present their titles.

“While the investigation was ongoing at Zone 2, Chief Asogbon petitioned the IGP Monitoring Team, which proceeded to seal the property. Our client then approached the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, which issued an order unsealing the site.”

Imam alleged further that the task force chairman and his collaborators carried out a forceful invasion of the property, during which police officers “stole four CCTV cameras, demolished structures on the site, and continued to occupy the land,” actions he said violate the IGP’s directive barring officers from being used to take possession of land.

“The chairman has continued to act unlawfully and with impunity despite several appeals,” he added.

The lawyer urged the IGP to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that justice prevails.