……..As Committee Receives Fresh New Petitions
By Ijeoma Umeh
The Edo State Private Properties Protection Committee heard 31 Cases listed yesterday, Monday, July 10 in Government House, Benin City.
The Committee, headed by Hon. Justice Alero Edodo-Eruaga (Retd) hears on average 28 cases at every of its sitting and continues to receive fresh new cases daily.
Six cases were heard on commencement while teams of Investigative Police officers appeared before the Committee to present reports on progress of investigations.
Disputing Parties also appeared to report on moves to settle their cases and get resolutions while others appeared to report on further developments in properties in dispute which cases are under investigation.
The case of Omobude Godfrey and Imaghodor was struck out yesterday due to inability of parties to prosecute their cases.
Meanwhile, HRH Richard Osaigbovo Ogunbor, traditional head of Ukiri-Eresonyen Community and other elders, including Odionwere and Okaeghele
have jointly appended their signatures on a petition seeking the Committee’s intervention in a case of encroachment and illegal sale of land by youths of the Community.
The youths have been accused of selling off land reserved by the Community for development.
The Enogie informed the Committee that on June 9 2023, one Julius Ogbeide, parading himself as the new Okaeghele (Youth Leader) in company of others brought unknown persons into the community and started clearing 10 Plots of the community land.
He noted that when they were confronted, they threatened that they had sold the 10 Plots.
Responding, the Edo State Private Properties Protection Committee assured the embattled Enogie that the case will be duly heard with the alleged encroachers brought to defend their roles in the matter.
The Committee therefore asked the Investigative Police Teams to carry out due investigation of the case.
The case was adjourned till July 20 to enable all parties involved to appear before the Committee.
Sitting continues in Benin City.
