Woman Petitions IGP Over Alleged Forcible Takeover of N950m Property by Armed Gang
A Lagos businesswoman, Mrs Funke Otti, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over the alleged violent seizure of her 20-acre property worth over N350 million and the theft of construction equipment valued at **N600 million** by an armed gang.
In a petition dated March 3, 2025,, filed by her lawyers, GTC Lawyers, Mrs Otti accused a man (name withheld) and his accomplices of criminal conversion of property, forceful entry, illegal possession of firearms, and threats to life.
According to the petition, the accused and his gang invaded the property located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway by Shagamu, firing gunshots to scare away workers and security personnel. Some workers reportedly sustained injuries while fleeing.
After taking over the land—which has **three occupied 3-bedroom bungalows and a security house—the suspects allegedly demolished structures and carted away construction equipment, including a **CAT Excavator, Pay Loader, Industrial Water Pump, and Flood Light Generator**, worth **N600 million**.
The petition further alleged that the accused fraudulently sold the property to a Chinese company, which has since taken possession and begun redeveloping the land.
Mrs Otti’s lawyers also claimed that the suspect, described as a “notorious land grabber,” was recently arrested and charged by the Lagos State Taskforce for a similar offence in Agidingbi, Ikeja, where he allegedly seized another property.
Expressing concerns over her safety, the petitioner stated that the suspect has continued to issue death threats from hiding. The legal team urged the IGP to intervene, investigate the matter, and ensure the perpetrators face justice.
“We trust in your capacity to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for these criminal acts are apprehended,”the petition read.
Efforts to reach the accused or the Chinese company for comment were unsuccessful at press time.
The police are yet to issue an official statement on the petition.
