Residents of Canaan City Crescent, Fagun, in Ondo West Local Government Area, on Wednesday raised alarm over what they describe as a police-backed invasion of their land, urging the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to urgently intervene.
The disputed land, located at the end of Road 13, Avenue 14, Fagun, has been at the center of protracted legal battles since 2007. From the Customary Court to the High Court and up to the Court of Appeal in Akure, the Fasimoye family has repeatedly been declared the rightful owner.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the resident association, which was obtained by our correspondent.
Despite the rulings, residents say that in August 2023, a group allegedly led by Mr Olanrewaju Fawehinmi and Mr Williams forcefully took over the land, destroying crops, blocking access to property, and intimidating community members—reportedly with the backing of officers from the Ondo State Police Command and SWAT operatives from Akure.
“They came in with the police, pulled down fences, and destroyed people’s farms. Since then, our community has been living in fear,” the statement partly read.
Another resident lamented that insecurity worsened after the invasion. “We have recorded more cases of burglary, kidnapping, and armed robbery since these men took over. It’s like they opened the gate for crime to thrive here,” he said.
A pending case between the Fasimoye family and the Nigerian Police Force at the Federal High Court, Akure, has not stopped the alleged harassment and illegal occupation.
The residents, through their spokesperson, Dr Bolaji Akinyemi, accused the police of aiding private interests against clear court rulings.
“If the Nigerian Police can be weaponised by private interests to subvert court judgments, then no citizen’s property or peace is safe. We demand that the IGP act now to restore the integrity of law enforcement,” Dr Akinyemi declared.
The residents are calling on the IGP to investigate the alleged role of police officers in the land invasion, withdraw all police protection from the invaders until the courts decide the case, and guarantee the safety of lawful property owners and community members.
They warned that failure by the police leadership to act decisively would embolden impunity and further erode public trust in the Nigerian Police Force.
Most of the police officer criminals so far u can give them money
Most of the police officer are criminals so far u can give them money