By Ijeoma Umeh
Benin City – Johnbull Eregbowa, defendant in a case of land grabbing, was arraigned today, Thursday, July 20 at the Criminal Court 4 on a two count charge of Sale of Land without lawful authority to one Emmanuel Ogbonna, Petitioner.
This action is contrary to Section 12(1)(c) of the Edo State Private Properties Protection Law , 2021.
It will be recalled that the Petitioner, Emmanuel Ogbonna, had petitioned the Edo State Private Properties Protection Committee, alleging that he bought the parcel of land measuring 185 feet by 200 feet from the defendant, but when he tried processing a C of O, he was informed that the parcel of land falls within Government Acquired Land, Etete Layout.
The defendant pleaded not guilty.
The case was adjourned till September 21, 2023 for hearing.
The Edo State Private Properties Protection Committee, headed by Hon. Justice Alero Edodo-Eruaga (Retd) is charged with the task of supporting government’s efforts by checking the activities of land grabbers and property speculators in communities across Edo State.
The Committee, among other responsibilities it is tasked with, is set up to investigate offences, arrest, restrain and prosecute offenders who contravene provisions of the Edo State Private Property Protection Law, 2021.
