Residents of Ikangba, Agoro, Imodi and Imosan communities in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State have renewed their protest over alleged land grabbing.

The residents marched through their communities on Friday. It was their second protest in less than a month.

They carried placards and called for urgent action from the Ogun State Government and security agencies. Some of the placards urged Governor Dapo Abiodun and President Bola Tinubu to protect their ancestral lands.

The residents accused alleged land grabbers of bringing bulldozers into the communities. They said the machines destroyed buildings, farmlands and other properties.

They also accused the alleged land grabbers of intimidating residents who challenged their activities.

The communities further claimed that some of the individuals operated with security escorts. They called on the authorities to investigate the allegation.

Communities Reject Link to Traditional Ruler

The dispute has also sparked controversy over the role of the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Okuribido.

The communities rejected reports linking the traditional ruler to the alleged land-grabbing activities. They described the reports as false.

According to the residents, Oba Okuribido comes from one of the affected communities. They said he had supported their efforts to resist the alleged land grabbers.

The communities also questioned the identities of people who claimed to represent Ikangba in a recent online publication. They said the individuals were not recognised as established indigenes or long-term residents.

Residents Seek Investigation

The residents said the dispute had continued despite an earlier intervention by the Ogun State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN.

They want the government to carry out an impartial investigation. They also want officials to establish the ownership history and legal status of the disputed land.

The communities called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force to investigate all parties.

They want authorities to examine land documents, court judgments, boundaries and other evidence connected to the dispute.

Professor Ayodeji Gafar spoke at a press briefing after Friday’s protest. He said the communities considered the report linking Oba Okuribido to the dispute unfair.

Gafar said the communities wanted transparency over the ownership claims. He also said the dispute should not lead to confrontation.

Bulldozers Allegedly Return Despite Police Directive

Gafar said the communities returned to the streets because alleged land-grabbing activities continued.

He said Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni had directed both sides to maintain the status quo. The directive was to remain in place while authorities worked to resolve the dispute.

However, Gafar said residents later reported the return of bulldozers to disputed areas.

He alleged that the machines continued to clear farmlands and destroy structures.

The communities also raised concerns about unidentified people and unmarked security vehicles in the area.

They further alleged that some individuals carried guns, cutlasses and other weapons. Gafar called for an investigation to establish whether the allegations were true.

Leaders Appeal for Government Intervention

The Baale of Ikangba, Chief Joseph Adebanjo, also condemned the alleged activities.

Chief Adeniyi Oduneye, the Alase Yemule of Ikangba, joined the call for government action.

Alhaji Surajudeen Raji represented the Baale of Agoro. Chief Olusesi Isiaka represented the Baale of Imodi.

The community leaders appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun, President Bola Tinubu, the police and DSS to investigate the dispute.

They warned that continued tension could threaten peace in the affected communities.

Land Disputes Raise Housing Concerns

The dispute also highlights the importance of secure land ownership in Nigeria’s property market.

Clear land records help residents, developers and investors establish ownership before they build or invest. Disputes over ownership can delay housing projects and create risks for property owners.

Unclear boundaries can also affect construction and infrastructure development. For this reason, land administration remains an important part of Nigeria’s housing and real estate sector.

The affected communities are now asking the government to establish the legitimate ownership claims and protect peace in Ikangba, Agoro, Imodi and Imosan.

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Residents of Ikangba Community in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State have asked Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene in a land dispute that they say threatens peace in the area.

The community made the appeal in Abeokuta. It accused some individuals of trying to take control of its ancestral land through intimidation. It also alleged that some security personnel had become involved in the dispute.

Prince Oluleye Olufemi Oluleye, Secretary of the Ikangba community, presented the community’s statement. He urged the governor to act quickly before the dispute leads to more violence.

Community Seeks Government Intervention

The community said security agencies had already taken steps to address the dispute.

According to the residents, two Ikangba indigenes were earlier arrested and detained at the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Abeokuta. The two men were later released after the community presented documents supporting its claim to the land.

READ MORE : Police Arrest Suspected Armed Robber, Land Grabber in Ibadan

The residents said DSS officials heard from both sides and reviewed the circumstances of the dispute. They said the agency then warned all parties against actions that could disrupt peace in the community.

However, the community alleged that the people it accused of land grabbing continued their activities after leaving the DSS office.

The residents also said the Ogun State Commissioner of Police intervened in the matter. According to the community, the commissioner invited the parties and heard their positions before warning those it described as land grabbers to stay away from the disputed property.

Residents Allege Fresh Threats

Despite these interventions, the community said tensions had continued.

The residents alleged cases of harassment, maiming and sporadic shootings around the disputed land. They said the incidents had created fear and raised concerns about the safety of people living in the area.

The community also raised concerns over the alleged involvement of the Idowa traditional institution. It specifically mentioned the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adefuwape.

The Ikangba people stressed that they were not asking the government or security agencies to decide the ownership of the land outside the legal process.

Instead, they want the authorities to conduct a full and impartial investigation. They also want all parties to receive protection while the competent authorities determine the ownership and status of the property.

Appeal to Security Agencies

The community asked Governor Abiodun to prevent the use of security personnel or private agents to intimidate any party involved in the dispute.

It also appealed to the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that their personnel do not become involved in private land disputes.

The residents further called on the Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force, the police, DSS and other relevant agencies to act quickly.

They said urgent action could help prevent further violence and protect lives and property.

Wider Impact on Real Estate

The dispute also highlights the importance of secure land ownership in Nigeria’s property market.

Unclear ownership can create risks for homeowners, developers and investors. Land disputes can also delay housing projects and make property transactions more difficult.

Strong land records, proper documentation and effective dispute resolution can help reduce such risks. These measures are important for communities as well as businesses involved in housing and real estate development.

The Ikangba community said it had contacted relevant authorities over the matter. It said it decided to speak publicly because of concerns that the dispute could lead to further violence.

The residents urged all parties to avoid confrontation. They called for the ownership and status of the disputed land to be determined through due process.

The community also appealed to the government and security agencies to act before the dispute causes further harm to residents and property.

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The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a planned kidnapping attack targeting students.

The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere.

The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.

The closure followed a security alert from the Department of State Services (DSS), which reportedly uncovered plans by suspected bandits to carry out a mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.

According to intelligence reports, the DSS intercepted communications between two suspected bandits who allegedly discussed shifting their focus to schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate the expected financial returns.

The report indicated that the suspects believed abducting students could attract greater government attention and increase their chances of securing substantial ransom payments.

Security concerns heightened after the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect on June 4 while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in Makeke community.

Authorities said the suspect’s activities raised fears that preparations for the planned operation may already have been underway.

In response, the DSS advised security agencies and government authorities to strengthen protection around schools and educational institutions, particularly in vulnerable communities across Edo North.

The agency also recommended increased deployment of security personnel, enhanced collaboration among security agencies, local vigilantes and hunters, as well as intensified surveillance and patrol operations.

Explaining the government’s decision, Otamere said the Ministry of Education received credible intelligence and security advisories indicating threats to the safety of students, teachers and surrounding communities.

“The Ministry of Education has received intelligence reports and advisories from relevant security agencies regarding credible threats to the safety of students, staff and school communities in some parts of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area,” he stated.

He noted that all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools have been suspended indefinitely as a precautionary measure to safeguard lives and property.

The permanent secretary, however, clarified that candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would continue to access their examination centres under strict security arrangements.

According to him, security agencies and community stakeholders have been mobilised to ensure the safety of candidates during the examination period.

Otamere directed principals of the affected schools to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain communication with relevant authorities.

He also appealed to parents and residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to neutralise the threat and restore normal academic activities in the affected communities.

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The Presidential Villa precinct in Abuja was placed under heavy security on Thursday as authorities restricted access to residents, government workers and individuals with official engagements within the State House area.

The heightened security measures followed threats of a protest over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.

A combined team of military personnel, police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) established security checkpoints along major routes leading to the Presidential Villa, including access roads from the Federal Secretariat, Supreme Court and Asokoro areas.

Security operatives conducted thorough screening of motorists and pedestrians, demanding identification and verification of their destinations before granting entry. Individuals without legitimate business within the State House precinct were turned back and directed to alternative routes.

The restrictions caused disruptions to traffic movement around parts of the Three Arms Zone and adjoining roads as security agencies intensified surveillance across strategic locations.

The security build-up comes amid plans by activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to lead a protest to the Presidential Villa if pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are not rescued.

Sowore had joined demonstrators in the Federal Capital Territory on Wednesday, where protesters demanded urgent action from the government to secure the release of the victims kidnapped on May 15.

During the demonstration, he criticised the government’s response to insecurity and vowed to continue public protests until the abductees regain their freedom.

According to him, protesters would march to the Presidential Villa if the victims remained in captivity, insisting that the federal government must fulfil its responsibility of protecting citizens and ensuring national security.

As of the time of filing this report, security personnel remained deployed across key entry points to the Presidential Villa, while access restrictions continued to be strictly enforced.

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The sitting in has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, , and his son, , until April 15 and 16.

The case came up on Tuesday before Justice , with both defendants present in court.

During the proceedings, the prosecution counsel, (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to take over the prosecution of the case.

According to him, the instruction was received on Monday, leaving little time to properly consult with witnesses.

“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” he told the court while requesting a new date for the hearing.

Defence raises no objection

Counsel to the defendants, (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.

Following the submissions from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik granted the application and adjourned the matter to April 15 and 16 for trial.

DSS filed terrorism charges

The had earlier arraigned Malami and his son on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.

According to court documents marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him during his tenure as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.

The charges were filed under provisions of the .

Allegations of illegal firearms possession

In additional counts, both defendants were accused of unlawfully keeping a Sturm Magnum firearm, along with live and expended cartridges, at their residence in , , without lawful authorisation.

The alleged offences are said to violate relevant provisions of the .

The case was initially investigated by the , which later transferred it to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation ahead of the commencement of trial proceedings.

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The Federal Government can legally monitor the phone conversations of Nigerians when national security is at stake, according to Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity.

Ajayi made the clarification while responding to comments on his Facebook post addressing remarks by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who admitted during a television interview that an unnamed individual tapped the phone of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

Controversy Over Alleged Phone Tapping

El-Rufai had appeared on Arise TV Prime Time, where he claimed that he was privy to conversations involving the NSA because “someone tapped his phone.” During the interview, when reminded that such action was illegal, he acknowledged the illegality but alleged that government agencies frequently engage in similar practices without court orders.

Responding to a Facebook user who accused the government of similar conduct, Ajayi stated that the government has lawful authority to intercept communications for national security purposes.

“The government can legitimately listen to your conversation for national security reasons. Only the government is allowed to do what is illegal for citizens to do in order to protect and preserve the collective,” Ajayi wrote.

He likened the authority to carry out surveillance to the government’s exclusive right to bear arms for security enforcement, noting that while citizens may possess firearms under strict licensing laws, broader powers remain vested in the state.

Airport Incident and Allegations

The controversy follows a recent confrontation at the Abuja airport involving El-Rufai and security operatives. The former governor alleged that the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to arrest him on the orders of Ribadu. He further claimed that his international passport was temporarily seized during the encounter.

El-Rufai also accused Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of being involved in an alleged plot against him.

The incident has intensified political tensions, particularly as El-Rufai has remained critical of the Tinubu administration since his ministerial nomination was rejected by the Senate in 2025.

Legal Debate on Surveillance Powers

Ajayi’s remarks have reignited public debate over the scope of government surveillance powers in Nigeria, particularly concerning constitutional protections of privacy and the requirement for judicial authorisation in communication interception.

Security analysts note that while national security laws permit lawful interception under specific circumstances, such actions are typically expected to follow due process and regulatory oversight.

As the political dispute unfolds, the issue of state surveillance, civil liberties, and accountability remains central to the broader national conversation on governance and security in Nigeria.

The post FG Can Legally Monitor Phone Calls for Security — Tinubu’s Aide appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has transferred the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to the Nigerian Custodial Centre in Sokoto following his conviction and sentencing for terrorism.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, while delivering judgment on Thursday, ruled that the DSS may keep Kanu in any correctional facility in the country after upholding allegations that he used acts of terrorism in pushing for the secession of parts of the South-East, South-South, and sections of Benue and Kogi states.

Kanu’s legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the transfer on Friday, stating that the move places Kanu far from his legal team, family members, and close associates. “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has just been moved from DSS Abuja to the correctional facility in Sokoto; so far away from his lawyers, family, loved ones and well-wishers,” he wrote.

A separate source also verified the relocation, but declined to give further details.

During Thursday’s court session, prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to impose the maximum penalty on counts that carry mandatory death sentences, insisting there was no legal room for discretion. He also requested the closure of Kanu’s digital media accounts and devices.

Awomolo further asked the court to direct that Kanu be held in the safest correctional facility available to prevent interference or possible threats from both supporters and opponents.

The post DSS Transfers Nnamdi Kanu to Sokoto Custodial Centre After Terrorism Conviction appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has given Winhomes Global Services Limited seven days to provide evidence of its alleged $250 million investment in land affected by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway or face petitions to the EFCC, DSS, and even the US Embassy.

Inspecting the site in Lagos on Monday, Umahi dismissed the company’s claims as misleading. “I have a document from Winhomes that says they bought 12 hectares of land in 2022 for the sum of N50 million. In this area, with all the development around, I don’t know if the villagers were terribly cheated or if due process was followed. Nigerians should ask questions,” he said.

The minister pointed to what he called substandard works on the site. “The only thing we destroyed was the gatehouse, for which the enumerator graciously gave her N19 million. The woman claimed she has invested $250 million. Not ₦250 million, but dollars. We cannot trace the money, the approvals, or the investors. If she really brought that amount, where is it? Show us through the CBN, show us who paid, and how much they paid. Otherwise, it is a fraud to me.”

Umahi demanded an apology and warned that without proof, the case would be escalated. “I’ll be writing to the Embassy of America to demand that they send the woman back to us so that she will come and tell us where the money is and how it left America to come to Nigeria,” he added.

Civil society representatives also challenged Winhomes’ narrative. Declan Hekare, who had earlier led protests, said: “What I am seeing here is below my expectations. I expected to see structures that were erected and pulled down. That is not the case. If by the end of two weeks, more evidence is not provided, we will address a world press conference. Nigerians cannot be misled.”

On the project, Umahi assured that the highway will be delivered under a 30 percent government and 70 percent private financing model, with concessionaires ready to fund construction.

The post Umahi Gives Winhomes Seven Days to Prove $250m Claim, Threatens EFCC and US Petition appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Adeniran Adeyemi, statistician-general of the federation, has been invited for questioning by the Department of State Services (DSS) following the release of a controversial survey report on ransom payments in Nigeria.

Authoritative sources revealed that the DSS is scrutinising the methodology and data used in the report, which claimed that ransom payments had reached alarming levels, sparking national and international reactions.

The Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey report published by the National Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday disclosed that Nigerians paid an estimated total of N2.23trn as ransom to kidnappers between the periods of May 2023 and April 2024.

The survey report showed that 65 percent of households affected by kidnapping incidents resorted to paying ransoms to secure the release of victims. On average, each household paid N2.67 million per incident.

It revealed that an estimated 51.89 million crime incidents were recorded across Nigerian households in the reference period.

The report showed that the North-West region had the highest incidence of crime, with 14.4 million cases reported, followed by the North-Central region with 8.8 million incidents.

Sources at the Bureau however told BusinessDay that contrary to reports, Statistician General was arrested was only invited for questioning which he honoured.

“The Statistician General wasn’t arrested. Although people in authority are not happy about the report, but claims that the SG was arrested is false.”

“He was only invited for questioning and was allowed to go that same yesterday,” another source said

A day after the report was released, the Bureau disclosed that its official website had been hacked and that it was working to restore it.

“The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) wishes to inform the public that its website has been compromised. Our team is actively working to resolve the issue and restore full functionality.

“We advise the public to disregard any messages or reports published on the website until further notice. Thank you for your understanding.”

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DSS had admonished the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its counterpart from Trade Union Congress (TUC) to rescind their decision, saying the plea was in the interest of peace across the country.

But reacting to the DSS’ warning, the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, said DSS should not blackmail the Organised Labour and arrest those that want to use the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence as claimed.

The labour leader described the forthcoming action as “peaceful protest against unpardonable cost of living”, adding that the Congress would not fold its arm while Nigerians continue to live in penury.

He said: “We are concerned by the unsolicited advice of the Department of State Security to shelve our planned protest against the unprecedented high cost of living in spite of the indescribable suffering in the land, spiralling inflation, deepening poverty and the Naira at an exchange rate of N1,900 to the US Dollar.

“According to the Service, the planned protest should be shelved “in the interest of peace and public order”, pre-supposing that the action is intended to be violent and disruptive even when we have a history of peaceful protests.

“More worrying is the new role the Service has assigned to itself, the chief spokes person of the government.

READ ALSO: IDP housing project will cost N3 million each using direct labour – Minister, Edu

“According to the Service, “It is common knowledge that all levels of Government are striving to ameliorate the prevailing economic condition and as such, should be given a benefit of the doubt, So far, appropriate authorities are working assiduously with a spectrum of stakeholders to fashion out modalities to address the current difficulties”.

“We are equally worried that although the Service is aware that some elements are planning to use the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence”, and yet have not executed the arrest of these elements.

“We are equally intrigued by the innuendos of the Service, their philosophy of “peace” and wild allegations and we want to reassure them that no one loves this country more than us and on our honour, we would never do anything that will compromise its sovereignty or security.

READ ALSO: DSS Urges Labour to Postpone Planned Protest Amid Hardship

“Having said this, we would not have ourselves blackmailed or lied against by the Service. Our protest is a peaceful one against the unpardonable cost of living of which the unserviced personnel of the Service are also victims. We cannot fold our hands and pretend all is well. That will be a grievous conspiracy that history will not forgive.”

Source: Thenation

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