In a distressing turn of events, a young woman named Damilola Adisa and her siblings have come forward with allegations of intimidation, threats, and an attempted forceful takeover of their late father's property located in Ibafo, Ogun State. The family is urgently appealing to relevant authorities for intervention and protection.
Background of the Orphans' Tragedy
Adisa, originally from Osun State but raised in Ibafo, recounted a series of heartbreaking tragedies that left her and her siblings orphaned at a tender age. Their mother passed away in 2012, and their father was brutally murdered in 2015 after being lured out by unknown assailants. This left the family devastated and struggling to survive without parental support.
The only inheritance left for the siblings is a piece of land at No. 10, Surakatu Okunola Street, Mogede, Qwara Quarters in Ibafo, Ogun State. Their late father had built a house on this land and was buried there.
Refusal to Sell the Property
Adisa noted that despite the property's deteriorating condition due to flooding, the siblings have steadfastly refused several offers to sell it. They insist that the land holds immense emotional value as it is their father's final resting place. She claimed that sometime last year, unidentified individuals approached them with an offer of N2.5 million for the land, but the family rejected the proposal.
Encroachment and Demolition
Trouble began in April when a witness alerted the siblings that unknown persons had entered the property. Upon arriving at the site, Adisa and her sister allegedly found workers demolishing part of their father's burial ground and laying a foundation. A man, whose name has been withheld, claimed ownership of the property and was supervising the activities.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to the suspect's arrest. However, Adisa alleged that while in police custody, the suspect openly vowed to harm her and her siblings and take possession of the property.
Police Handling and Allegations
To the family's shock, the suspect was later released on the directive of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ibafo Police Station without signing any undertaking. Losing confidence in the station's handling of the matter, the siblings petitioned Zone 2 Police Command.
According to Adisa, tensions escalated on June 10 when police officers allegedly arrived at her residence and attempted to compel her to accompany them to the station, seizing her phone. She further alleged that officers returned on subsequent occasions, insisting on their arrest. Fearing for their safety, the family fled their residence and is currently in hiding at an undisclosed location.
Official Response
Neither the Ogun State Police Command nor the accused individuals have given any official response. The Investigating Police Officer (IPO) on the controversial land dispute declined to comment. However, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Babaseyi Oluseyi, acknowledged the report against a man identified as Nojeem Solanke, who, among others, was alleged to have damaged the late man's grave at Mogede Village, Ibafo, and carted away building materials (granite, iron rods, and blocks) valued at N2,750,000. The case was under investigation.
According to Oluseyi, the suspect was arrested, an eyewitness made a statement, the scene was visited, and the case was later transferred to SCID, Eleweran, Abeokuta, following a petition to the Commissioner of Police. He added that the complainant was requested for an interview at SCID but declined despite several efforts to secure her attendance.
