The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday arraigned three defendants before the Lagos State High Court over alleged forgery, land grabbing and forceful takeover of property in Ikeja.
Those arraigned include Julius Eshiet, Al-Trade Agencies Limited, and Alabi Collins, a director at the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. They are facing a 13-count charge before Justice Idowu of High Court 55, Ikeja.
The disputed property is located at Block C, Plots 30 and 37, also known as No. 6 Ajisafe Street, GRA, Ikeja.
Prosecuting counsel, Rotshang Dimka, told the court that the case followed a July 1, 2024, petition by Viagem Property and Investment Limited, which accused the defendants of illegal occupation, malicious damage and document forgery.
According to the petition, Viagem lawfully acquired the 9,425-square-yard property in 2019 after several legal transfers dating back to 1961.
The company alleged that in 2021, the defendants, supported by thugs and individuals claiming to be police officers, forcefully evicted its staff and took possession of the land.
Investigations by the police reportedly showed that Viagem and its predecessors, including Western Metal Products Company Limited (WEMPCO), had consistently paid land use charges to the Lagos State Government. No record was found to support the defendants’ claim that the land belonged to the Federal Government.
Justice Idowu adjourned the matter to Friday, September 12, 2025, for further hearing. While Eshiet was remanded at the Lagos State Police Command, Collins’ lawyer sought an adjournment on medical grounds.
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