Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Private Properties Protection Committee (PPPC) headed by Hon Justice Alero Edodo-Eruaga (Retd) has warned land owners to stop warehousing their lands but to secure them to avoid encroachment and unnecessary litigations.
Speaking at the Government House Benin City after reports of several settlements were made by both parties themselves and Police Investigative Teams, the Committee advised parties whose disputes had been resolved to ensure they secured their land not only by getting all the relevant title documents, including surveys and C of O done but by also developing the land by fencing or other development works.
“There is no need reminding you to go and take possession of your land now that the matter has been resolved. In as much as we do not police you on what to do with your land once it is recovered, we do not also encourage warehousing of land. Aside securing your title documents, also go and do some work on the land. Don’t leave it fallow. Whatever you do there is also part of your investment in the long run.” Says AIG Austin Agbonlahor (Retd), member of the Committee standing in for the Chairman, Hon. Justice Alero Edodo-Eruaga (Retd).
A Respondent, Engr Justin Omoruyi was among parties who appeared at Tuesday’s hearing to corroborate Police reports on settlements.
It was however registered before the Committee that the Petitioner still had an outstanding balance of the sum of #500,000 to pay before the land will be finally relinquished to him. The matter was adjourned till June 4, 2024 to enable parties harmonize and settle all claims.
The Committee tasked parties to ensure the settlement was concluded before the end of the new adjourned date.
The Committee also issued warrants of arrest on some parties, described as evasive.
The case between Mrs Ibhasuemonjie Happiness Irabor Vs Mr Idahosa Omoruyi was also reported and the Committee was informed that efforts made to arrest the Respondent failed as he locked himself in his apartment to evade arrest.
The Committee charged the Police Team to intensify efforts. It was a case of encroachment and illegal sale of the Petitioner’s land
Two cases were struck out for the inability of parties to appear over a long period of time to prosecute their cases while three cases were for Legal Advice, including the case between Francis Chidiebere Ezughalu Vs Okaeghele of Ayen Community which had been sent to DPP to prepare a charge against the respondent.