The Delta State High Court has dismissed a preliminary objection filed by members of the Okonjo family in an alleged land-grabbing dispute, allowing the substantive case to proceed. The ruling marks a significant development in the long-running disagreement over land ownership and property rights in the state.

The case centres on allegations of unlawful acquisition and ownership claims over disputed parcels of land. The defendants had challenged the court’s jurisdiction and sought to halt proceedings through a preliminary objection. However, the court ruled that the matter should proceed to a full hearing to determine the merits of the claims and counterclaims presented by the parties.

Legal experts note that disputes over land ownership remain a major challenge in several parts of Nigeria, often leading to prolonged litigation, community tensions, and uncertainty over property rights. They argue that effective land administration systems and timely judicial interventions are essential to resolving such conflicts and promoting investor confidence in the real estate sector.

Stakeholders have also called for improved land documentation, digital record systems, and stronger dispute resolution mechanisms to reduce cases of conflicting ownership claims and alleged land grabbing. They maintain that secure property rights are critical to economic development and sustainable urban planning.

The court’s decision means the parties will now proceed to substantive hearings where evidence and arguments relating to the disputed land will be examined before a final determination is made.

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A fresh wave of violence has rocked communities in Adamawa State, leaving more than 20 people feared dead and over 400 homes destroyed in a brutal communal clash linked to long-standing land disputes.

The attack, which targeted Kwah and Gyakan communities in Lamurde Local Government Area, unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, catching residents off guard and triggering mass displacement.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that heavily armed assailants stormed Gyakan at dawn before advancing to nearby Kwah, unleashing widespread destruction and setting homes ablaze.

Coordinated Assault Leaves Trail of Destruction

Residents described the attack as highly coordinated and devastating. According to local sources, the attackers arrived in large numbers on motorcycles, armed with sophisticated weapons.

A former local official, Carlos Nicodemus, confirmed the scale of destruction, noting that entire neighbourhoods were reduced to ashes.

“The attackers came in large numbers, shooting and burning houses. In Gyakan alone, we recovered 10 bodies,” he said.

He added that additional bodies were discovered hours later, pushing the death toll to at least 20, with fears that the figure could rise further.

Delayed Security Response Raises Concerns

One of the most troubling aspects of the incident was the delayed arrival of security personnel. Residents reported that it took more than 30 hours before authorities gained control of the affected areas.

This delay reportedly hampered rescue efforts and prevented families from immediately recovering victims or securing their communities.

A resident, Onisimus Onisimond, said recovery efforts were still ongoing as of Sunday afternoon, with more casualties expected to be uncovered.

Long-Standing Land Dispute Behind Violence

The crisis is believed to be rooted in decades-long land disputes between rival communities, a recurring issue that has plagued the region for nearly 30 years.

Local leaders say the conflict has already claimed thousands of lives over time, making Lamurde one of the most volatile areas in Adamawa State.

The former village head of Gyakan, Wali Batakuma, described the latest attack as unusually brutal and unexpected.

“We were taken completely by surprise. Armed men attacked in a coordinated manner—shooting, burning houses, and attacking fleeing residents,” he said.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Beyond the death toll, the destruction of over 400 homes has triggered a growing humanitarian crisis. Many residents have been displaced, with families forced to flee without shelter or essential belongings.

The scale of destruction is expected to place additional pressure on local authorities and humanitarian agencies already grappling with insecurity in the region.

Government Yet to Fully Contain Crisis

Although a curfew remains in place in Lamurde LGA due to previous attacks, the persistence of violence highlights the limitations of current security measures.

The Adamawa State Government had earlier set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the crisis, but recurring attacks suggest that long-term solutions are yet to take effect.

What This Means Going Forward

This latest outbreak of violence reinforces a broader national concern: unresolved land use conflicts continue to fuel insecurity across parts of Nigeria.

Without sustainable conflict resolution mechanisms, improved security response, and equitable land policies, such clashes may persist—threatening lives, livelihoods, and regional stability.

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The Bayelsa State Government has resolved a long-standing land dispute between the Ofoni and Lalagbene communities, calling on both parties to maintain peace and strengthen their relationship.

The intervention was led by the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, during a mediation meeting held at Government House in Yenagoa, involving representatives of both communities and Renaissance African Energy Company Limited.

Government Warns Against Unregulated Agreements

Speaking at the meeting, Akpe reiterated that no community should enter into any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with companies without proper consultation with the state government.

He stressed that such agreements must involve the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to prevent disputes and ensure fairness.

According to him, many communal conflicts in the state stem from poorly structured or undocumented agreements between host communities and companies.

Clarification on Land Ownership

On the disputed land, the deputy governor stated that available records show that the parcel of land where the company’s Location 2 facility is situated belongs to Lalagbene community.

He also noted that Ofoni community retains rights and benefits as the host of Location 1 in the Iseni Oilfield.

Akpe urged both communities to avoid violence and instead pursue peaceful dialogue when conflicts arise.

Call for Peace and Cooperation

The deputy governor emphasised that taking up arms would only worsen tensions and lead to unnecessary destruction of lives and property.

He encouraged both communities to strengthen their engagement with the company and work towards mutual benefits.

Company Provides Historical Context

Officials of Renaissance African Energy Company explained that Location 1 was acquired from Ofoni in 1972, while Location 2 was acquired from Lalagbene in 1973.

The clarification helped establish historical ownership and contributed to the resolution of the dispute.

Communities Accept Resolution

Representatives of both communities expressed appreciation to the state government for its timely intervention.

They also agreed to abide by the resolution and maintain peaceful coexistence moving forward.

The development marks a significant step in addressing communal conflicts tied to land ownership and resource control in the Niger Delta region.

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The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has identified land grabbing as the biggest challenge facing residents and indigenes of Ibadan.

Speaking at his Bodija residence during the Eid al-Fitr celebration, the monarch said the issue has persisted for years and continues to hinder the city’s social and economic development.

On security concerns, Ladoja said efforts are ongoing to curb criminal activities in the city, including recent cases of kidnapping. He clarified that such incidents are not linked to Fulani herdsmen but are largely driven by criminal elements seeking financial gain.

According to him, security agencies have recorded arrests in connection with some of the incidents, indicating that authorities are responding effectively. He maintained that while security challenges exist, they are being addressed promptly through collaboration between traditional institutions and government agencies.

The Olubadan urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities, stressing that tackling land grabbing remains a top priority for sustaining growth and attracting investment in Ibadan.

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A magistrate court in Ondo State has ordered the arrest and detention of a suspect in connection with an alleged land dispute that has drawn legal attention in the state capital.

The order was issued by a magistrate court sitting in Akure after the suspect, identified as Oba Adewale Sunday Boboye, reportedly failed to honour repeated court summons relating to the case.

Court documents indicate that the suspect is being investigated over allegations of forcefully entering a parcel of land belonging to Olrof Nigeria Limited and damaging property belonging to the company.

Allegations surrounding the land dispute

According to the charge filed before the court, the incident occurred on a parcel of land located along Igoba–Akure Road in the Igoba area of Akure.

The complainant alleged that the suspect unlawfully entered the property and carried out actions that resulted in damage to assets owned by the company.

Following the complaint, legal proceedings were initiated and the defendant was summoned to appear before the court to respond to the allegations.

However, court records show that the suspect failed to appear despite being formally invited to do so.

Further summons ignored

Legal proceedings in the matter were filed under Charge No: MAK/AMC/486/2025.

After the initial summons was reportedly ignored, the court issued another invitation to the suspect to appear before the magistrate.

Despite the second invitation, the defendant still failed to attend the hearing, prompting the court to take further action.

At the most recent sitting, I.O. Osobu appeared in court as the prosecutor handling the matter.

A.R. Omidougha represented the defendant, while Kehinde Aladedutire appeared for the nominal complainant in the dispute.

Court invokes criminal justice law

Presiding over the case, Senior Magistrate D.S. Sekoni invoked the provisions of Section 118 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Ondo State.

The law allows the court to compel the appearance of individuals who fail to comply with lawful summons issued during criminal proceedings.

Based on the provisions of the law, the magistrate ordered the arrest and detention of the suspect pending his appearance before the court.

The directive was contained in an official court document obtained through the office of the Chief Assistant Registrar, A.O. Akinola.

Suspect currently in detention

Following the court’s order, the suspect was reportedly taken into custody and is currently being detained at the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police overseeing Zone 17.

Nigeria Police Force officials are expected to ensure the suspect is presented before the court at the next hearing.

Sources familiar with the case also disclosed that the suspect had previously faced legal action over a similar offence.

Although details of the earlier conviction were not immediately available, the information was referenced during proceedings related to the current case.

Next court hearing scheduled

The court has adjourned the case to March 18, 2026, when the suspect is expected to be formally arraigned.

During the hearing, the court is expected to read the charges against the defendant and allow legal proceedings to begin fully.

Legal experts say land disputes remain one of the most common sources of litigation in several parts of Nigeria, particularly in rapidly expanding urban areas.

In many cases, disagreements over property ownership, land titles and boundary claims often lead to prolonged legal battles between individuals, companies and communities.

Observers say the case highlights the importance of respecting court processes and complying with legal summons issued by judicial authorities.

Failure to appear before the court when summoned can lead to contempt proceedings, arrest warrants and additional legal consequences beyond the original charges.

As the case moves forward, the court will determine whether the allegations surrounding the disputed property and the alleged contempt of court can be substantiated through evidence presented during trial proceedings.

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Property owners within the WINHOMES Estate in Lagos have petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing deep concerns over the demolition of parts of the estate linked to the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

In a letter addressed to the President, the Chief Executive Officer of WINHOMES Global Services Ltd., Engr. Stella Okengwu, a U.S. based Nigerian investor criticized the Federal Ministry of Works for its handling of the demolition, warning that the move could significantly undermine investor confidence, particularly among Nigerians in the Diaspora.

Okengwu, whose firm is leading one of Nigeria’s largest Diaspora-backed real estate developments, emphasized that the matter is currently before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos (Suit No: FHC/L/CS/10063/25). She cautioned that any public statements or actions by government officials while the case remains pending risk violating the principle of judicial independence.

Referencing recent remarks by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, she described the public commentary on the matter as prejudicial and inappropriate, stressing that all parties must respect the legal process and refrain from actions that could be seen as contempt of court.

Established in 2021, the WINHOMES Estate project was conceived as a tourism-driven real estate initiative aimed at attracting investment from Nigerians in the Diaspora. The estate spans 20 hectares in Lagos, holds three valid land titles, and comprises approximately 2,500 fully serviced plots, each valued at around ₦150 million. The total estimated value of the project stands at ₦375 billion (approximately $250 million).

Okengwu noted that the recent realignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway had affected around 400 plots, valued at over ₦60 billion, with estimated cumulative damages to the estate reaching ₦85 billion.

She also affirmed that WINHOMES Global Services Ltd. remains fully compliant with all regulatory and financial frameworks. The company is certified by the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), and all funds were transparently sourced through legitimate international remittance platforms.

In her appeal to President Tinubu, Okengwu urged the Federal Government to ensure that due process is followed and that legal proceedings are allowed to run their full course without executive interference. She called for an independent valuation of the affected property to determine adequate compensation for investors, many of whom are Nigerians in the Diaspora.

She added that resolving the dispute in a transparent and lawful manner would reaffirm the administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope agenda and send a strong message to the international investment community that Nigeria remains a secure and reliable destination for long-term investment.

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