Rising Alarm In Eti-Osa Lagos Notorious Land Grabber, Ahmed Tajudeen, Threatens Local Residents & Religious Leader

Rising Alarm in Eti-Osa Community as Notorious Land Grabber, Ahmed Tajudeen,Threatens Local Residents and Religious Leader

By Bolaji Israel and Fashina Shakiru

In the heart of Lagos State, the local community members of Ojomu, part of Ajiran land situated in Eti Osa Local Government, are experiencing restless nights and days, tormented by ruthless land grabbers who seem to know no bounds.

This gang of land usurpers has been embroiled in countless acts of intimidation, threats, forceful acquisitions, and even gruesome acts of violence, including murder. Despite landowners having official documentation proving their rightful ownership, these culprits audaciously resell these lands, sometimes to multiple unsuspecting individuals. The severity of the situation cannot be overstated as it’s reached alarming levels with innocent lives being tragically lost and basic human rights being trampled upon.

One might wonder, where does the law stand amidst this chaos? Lagos State Anti Land Grabbing Law, specifically Sections 2 and 4, unambiguously deem such acts criminal. It mandates severe penalties including a hefty fine of up to 5 million naira or imprisonment for up to five years, or even both in certain cases. Yet, the continued suffering of these innocent residents points to a significant lapse in the enforcement of these legal provisions.

It’s disturbing to note that these brazen acts aren’t just the workings of rogue individuals. The culprits, it seems, enjoy protection and backing, allegedly from certain police officials, key government figures, and even personnel from the ministry of lands. This support enables them to both obtain forged land documents and ensure their security is prioritized.

Dayo Joshua, a resident of Chevy Estate, Ajiran, relays his own distressing experience as a testament to the extent of this menace. Having legally purchased a land in 2012, complete with all necessary documentation, he took precautions to secure his property. However, in 2021, he received distressing news that his property was under attack, orchestrated by an individual named Frank Enem, more commonly known in the locality as ‘Frajek’. Frajek’s audacity is well-known, with many residents pointing to his frequent police escort as evidence of his connections. Even when police investigations were initiated, Frajek displayed a blatant disregard for the law. In a shocking turn, while an official meeting was to take place for conflict resolution in August 2022, Frajek, shielded by police officers from Alagbon Ikoyi, continued to assert his dominance by assaulting security guards and commencing construction on Joshua’s land. This example shines a light on the depth of the crisis and the mounting frustrations of genuine landowners seeking justice.

Resolute, Joshua vows to persistently seek justice through the courts, echoing sentiments shared by many in the community. “No one will sideline me. I’m determined to seek justice to the very end,” he asserted.

Stepping up to address this escalating crisis, the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has urgently called for action. Comrade Alex Omotehinse, the CHSR’s president, emphasizes the pressing need to halt the ongoing human rights abuses and the blatant disregard of Lagos State’s laws.

Deep-rooted in this land grabbing syndicate, sources indicate that Ahmed Tajudeen and Wasiu Akinsemoyin, also known as ‘WAAB’, lead these illicit activities. With audacious contempt, they bypass valid land agreements and even threaten traditional authorities, including Alhaji Yekini Bakare, Balogun Ajironland, and a revered religious leader of Baba Adinni Eti-Osa Mosque.

Highlighting their audacity, sources recalled incidents where Tajudeen brazenly sent armed groups to Alhaji Yekinni Bakare’s residence, threatening dire consequences should he obstruct their shady land dealings. Such threats extend to others in positions of power, with various instances of threats, forgeries, and intimidations being reported.

Their tactics of intimidation are varied and chilling. From unlawful markings on legitimate properties to issuing barbaric eviction notices, their reign of terror persists, exacerbated by a seeming lack of government intervention. This systemic issue has led to a staggering number of over 150 related court cases.

The community fears not just for their lands, but the erosion of respect for their traditional authorities, such as Oba Tijani Akinloye (Sateru II), Ojomu of Ajiran Land.

CHSR’s call to action rings clear: The Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force must act swiftly and decisively. They emphasize the urgency for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to reinstate peace, dignity, and respect for the land’s true custodians.

CHSR’s concerns further deepen as they lament the tragic murder of Sheriff Salami in April, suspected to be linked to his opposition to these land grabbers. They implore the authorities to investigate the matter and ensure justice for Sheriff, who left behind a devastated family.

With the crisis deepening, the genuine landowners’ pleas grow louder, many of whom have irrefutable proof of their land ownership.

Interestingly, Ahmed Tajudeen, who some claim to be at the heart of these issues, rejects all allegations, maintaining that he is not involved in any illicit land-grabbing activities.