The Zone 2 Police Command based in Onikan, Lagos, is currently investigating a land dispute that led to the sealing of several oil and gas depots in Kirikiri Town, Lagos. Central to the dispute is an octogenarian, identified as Adedoyin, who has been called in for questioning regarding the land’s ownership.
Historically, the land in question, which has been a focal point for contention, was originally known as the ancestral domain of the Immore family. Records indicate that a significant part of this land was sold to another family back in 1919. This family subsequently sold portions of it, which were eventually transformed into depots.
However, complications arose for the current depot owners when their operations were unexpectedly halted due to the sealing of their establishments about two months ago. This action was taken by the original sellers, based on a legal judgment from a Lagos State High Court, which deemed the prior transaction between Adedoyin’s family and the current owners null and void.
Upon being questioned about the unfolding situation, representatives from some of the affected companies voiced deep concerns and dissatisfaction. They lamented the significant disruptions that the sealing of the depots had caused in their day-to-day operations, putting financial strains on their businesses and threatening the livelihoods of their employees.
Adding to their woes was the revelation that the initial sellers of the land, from whom they had made their purchases in good faith, were now using a recent court judgment as leverage. These sellers are now demanding an exorbitant amount of N500 million from each of these companies as compensation, a sum that could have crippling effects on their financial health.
Nakem Oil and Gas Limited, standing out among the affected businesses, took the proactive step of formally registering their grievance. They dispatched a detailed letter to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 2, AIG Ali Mohammed. Authored by their legal representative, Muftau Nasir, the letter not only captured the company’s disbelief and shock over the sudden sealing of their premises but also shed light on a disturbing twist.
The individuals responsible for the unexpected sealing turned out to be the very same parties from whom Nakem had purchased the land. Their actions were seemingly justified by the consent judgments and rulings issued by the Lagos State High Court in both 2014 and 2023, which appeared to empower them to reclaim and control the contested land.
This ongoing investigation underscores the complexities of land ownership disputes and their potential ripple effects on businesses and communities.
