Role of the Lagos Special Task Force in Combating Land Grabbers

Role of the Lagos Special Task Force in Combating Land Grabbers

Introduction

Land grabbing is one of the most persistent challenges undermining property rights and real estate investment in Lagos.
From violent encroachments to fraudulent multiple sales and forceful takeovers, these unlawful acts have for decades discouraged investors, endangered lives, and disrupted urban development.

To address this menace, the Lagos State Government established the Special Task Force on Land Grabbers — a dedicated body under the Ministry of Justice empowered to investigate, prosecute, and eradicate the activities of land grabbers across the state.

This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the role, powers, functions, and impact of the Lagos State Special Task Force on Land Grabbers, and how property owners, developers, and investors can leverage its authority to protect their real estate interests.

1. Understanding the Problem of Land Grabbing in Lagos

Land grabbing refers to the unlawful occupation, sale, or use of land belonging to another person or entity without consent or lawful title.

In Lagos, land grabbers—commonly referred to as Omonile syndicates—engage in acts such as:

• Forceful entry or possession of land,
• Multiple sales of the same property,
• Demanding illegal levies (“foundation” or “settlement” fees),
• Forging documents, and
• Threatening lawful owners.

The practice became so rampant that it began to hinder real estate investment and fuel violent conflicts between families, communities, and developers.

2. Establishment of the Lagos Special Task Force on Land Grabbers

In 2016, the Lagos State Government, under the Ministry of Justice, established the Special Task Force on Land Grabbers (STFLG) pursuant to the Lagos State Properties Protection Law, 2016.

The Task Force was created to:

• Enforce the provisions of the Law,
• Investigate petitions related to land grabbing,
• Prosecute offenders, and
• Restore confidence in property ownership and investment in Lagos.

The Task Force operates directly under the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, reflecting the state’s zero-tolerance policy for land-related crime.

3. Legal Foundation: Lagos State Properties Protection Law, 2016

The Lagos State Properties Protection Law provides the statutory framework for the Task Force’s operation.

Key provisions include:

Section 2 – Forceful Takeover

Anyone who uses force or threat to take over land without lawful authority commits an offence punishable by 21 years imprisonment.

Section 3 – Illegal Sale of Land

Anyone who sells or offers land for sale without ownership or authority commits an offence punishable by 21 years imprisonment.

Section 4 – Fraudulent Demand

Extorting money (“settlement,” “foundation,” or “community development” fees) from lawful owners attracts 10 years imprisonment.

Section 6 – Encroachment

Unlawful occupation or interference with property attracts 5 years imprisonment.

The law empowers the Task Force to investigate and prosecute offenders swiftly, ensuring deterrence and protection of lawful owners.

4. Structure and Composition of the Task Force

The Special Task Force on Land Grabbers operates as a multi-agency unit under the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.

Composition:

• Chairman: Senior lawyer or state legal officer.
• Members:
  • Representatives from the Ministry of Justice,
  • Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development,
  • Office of the Surveyor-General,
  • Lagos State Police Command, and
  • Lands Bureau.

This collaboration ensures that petitions are investigated from legal, survey, and security perspectives, enabling efficient enforcement.

5. Core Functions of the Task Force

1. Receiving and Investigating Petitions:
   The Task Force receives petitions from property owners, developers, lawyers, or corporate entities alleging land grabbing activities.
2. Verification of Ownership:
   It collaborates with the Lands Bureau and the Office of the Surveyor-General to verify ownership, boundary delineations, and title authenticity.
3. Mediation and Conflict Resolution:
   Before full prosecution, the Task Force often engages both parties in mediation to ascertain facts and resolve misunderstandings.
4. Prosecution of Offenders:
   Upon confirmation of illegality, the Task Force prosecutes land grabbers under the Properties Protection Law.
5. Public Sensitization and Awareness:
   The Task Force educates the public through seminars, radio programs, and publications about the dangers of dealing with unauthorized sellers.
6. Collaboration with Security Agencies:
   It liaises with the Police, EFCC, and DSS for arrest and enforcement of court orders.

6. The Task Force’s Investigative Procedure

Step 1: Petition Submission

Aggrieved parties submit a written petition to the Task Force detailing:

• Property address,
• Nature of encroachment or sale,
• Names of offenders, and
• Evidence of ownership.

Step 2: Preliminary Review

Legal officers review the petition to confirm jurisdiction and sufficiency of evidence.

Step 3: Site Inspection and Verification

Officials conduct an on-site investigation with police and surveyors.

Step 4: Invitation to Parties

Both complainant and accused are invited for a hearing. The Task Force may mediate or proceed to prosecution.

Step 5: Prosecution

If guilty, offenders are charged before the Special Offences Court or High Court of Lagos State.

7. Powers of the Task Force

• To Investigate: Conduct independent investigations through field officers and law enforcement support.
• To Arrest: Collaborate with police for arrest and detention of offenders.
• To Prosecute: File criminal charges in the name of the Attorney-General.
• To Enforce: Execute court judgments restoring possession to rightful owners.
• To Recommend Policy: Advise government on property protection measures.

8. Collaboration with the Lagos State Judiciary

The Task Force works hand-in-hand with the High Court of Lagos State (Land Division) and the Special Offences Court, ensuring that prosecution of land grabbers is prioritized and handled expeditiously.

Judges also rely on Task Force reports for factual context in pending ownership or trespass cases.

9. Relationship with Other Government Agencies

1. Lands Bureau: Confirms ownership and title documentation.
2. Office of the Surveyor-General: Verifies survey coordinates and boundary overlaps.
3. LASRERA: Ensures only licensed real estate agents operate legally.
4. Police and EFCC: Execute arrests and prosecute fraud-related offences.

10. Key Achievements of the Task Force

Since inception, the Task Force has:

• Resolved hundreds of petitions.
• Prosecuted numerous notorious land grabbers.
• Restored property to rightful owners.
• Reduced fraudulent multiple sales.
• Enhanced investor confidence in Lagos real estate.

Its proactive stance has made Lagos a model for other states combating land-related crimes.

11. Case Example: Successful Intervention

A developer lawfully acquired a parcel in Sangotedo but was attacked by armed “community boys” demanding ₦5 million before construction.

Action: The developer petitioned the Task Force, which verified ownership, ordered arrests, and prosecuted the offenders.

Outcome: The property was restored, and the culprits sentenced.

This illustrates the Task Force’s practical impact.

12. Rights of Property Owners under the Law

1. Right to lawful ownership and quiet possession.
2. Right to report any encroachment or illegal demand.
3. Right to police and Task Force protection during property development.
4. Right to seek restitution and compensation through court proceedings.

13. Filing a Petition: Practical Guide

To file a petition, include:

• Full name, address, and phone number.
• Description and location of land.
• Nature of encroachment.
• Documentary proof (C of O, survey plan, deed, etc.).
• Names of offenders.

Submit to:
Special Task Force on Land Grabbers
Block 2, Room 9, Ministry of Justice,
The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Or email via the Ministry’s website.

14. Role of Lawyers in Petition Process

Lawyers play a crucial role by:

• Drafting clear petitions with supporting exhibits.
• Liaising with Task Force officers.
• Representing complainants in mediation or prosecution.
• Ensuring due process and compliance with law.

At Chaman Law Firm, we handle petitions, follow-up, and litigation for clients whose properties are threatened by land grabbers.

15. How the Task Force Protects Developers and Investors

1. Provides government-backed intervention during disputes.
2. Ensures peaceable possession for lawful developers.
3. Coordinates with Police to secure construction sites.
4. Prevents double sales through registry checks.
5. Promotes investor confidence and urban safety.

16. Impact on the Lagos Real Estate Market

The establishment of the Task Force has:

• Reduced fraudulent land transactions.
• Encouraged formal registration of titles.
• Boosted foreign and diaspora investor confidence.
• Improved security of tenure and ease of doing business.

17. Challenges Facing the Task Force

1. Delays in court proceedings.
2. Incomplete documentation from complainants.
3. Intimidation of witnesses.
4. Jurisdictional overlap with police or local chiefs.
5. Limited public awareness.

Despite these, the Task Force continues to strengthen its capacity through reforms and training.

18. Public Sensitization and Outreach

The Task Force conducts regular public campaigns on:

• Radio and television programs,
• Town hall meetings, and
• Real estate exhibitions,
  to educate citizens on lawful land transactions and how to report grabbers.

19. Role of Technology in Enforcement

The Lagos State Geographic Information System (LAGIS) now allows:

• Digital title verification,
• Satellite monitoring of encroachments, and
• Online complaint submission.

These innovations strengthen the Task Force’s efficiency and transparency.

20. Partnership with the Private Sector

Real estate associations and professional bodies — such as the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and Developers Association of Nigeria — regularly collaborate with the Task Force to:

• Verify legitimate agents,
• Report fraudulent sellers, and
• Promote ethical standards in land transactions.

21. Remedies Available Through the Task Force

1. Restitution: Return of land to rightful owner.
2. Prosecution: Criminal conviction and imprisonment of offenders.
3. Injunctions: Prevention of continued trespass.
4. Demolition Orders: Removal of illegal structures.
5. Compensation: Where applicable, for damages caused.

22. Coordination with the Lagos Judiciary and Ministry of Justice

The Task Force works under direct supervision of the Attorney-General, ensuring:

• Swift prosecution of offenders.
• Legal backing for enforcement.
• Consistency in government land policies.

This synergy ensures that cases are not lost in bureaucracy or prolonged delays.

23. Impact on Diaspora Property Investors

For Nigerians abroad, the Task Force provides an institutional safeguard.
Through verified petitions and digital documentation, diaspora clients can:

• Report illegal encroachments remotely,
• Obtain enforcement through their lawyers, and
• Recover their properties without physical presence.

Chaman Law Firm provides complete legal representation for such clients.

24. Public Success Stories

Numerous reports from the Lagos Ministry of Justice show that since 2016:

• Over 1,500 petitions have been resolved.
• Hundreds of offenders have been prosecuted.
• Properties worth billions of naira restored.

This demonstrates the Task Force’s sustained success.

25. Collaboration with Security Agencies

The Task Force collaborates with:

• Lagos State Police Command,
• Rapid Response Squad (RRS),
• Special Fraud Unit (SFU), and
• EFCC (for financial crimes).

Joint operations ensure the arrest of organized syndicates.

26. Penalties for Land Grabbing Offences

27. How to Seek Protection Through the Task Force

1. Engage a property lawyer.
2. Prepare your ownership documents.
3. Submit a formal petition to the Task Force.
4. Attend hearings and follow up through your counsel.
5. Request protection or police presence where necessary.

28. Preventive Measures for Property Owners

• Perfect your title (C of O, Governor’s Consent, registration).
• Fence your property with visible warning signs.
• Keep all original documents safe.
• Conduct regular site visits.
• File caveats where disputes are pending.

29. Role of Chaman Law Firm

At Chaman Law Firm, we assist clients in:

• Drafting and submitting petitions to the Task Force.
• Pursuing prosecution and enforcement.
• Recovering and protecting seized lands.
• Representing diaspora investors through Power of Attorney.

Our experience with land-related cases across Lagos positions us as trusted advocates in combating property-related crimes.

30. Conclusion

The Lagos Special Task Force on Land Grabbers has redefined the fight against property crime in Nigeria’s most economically active state.
Through its robust legal powers, collaboration with law enforcement, and commitment to justice, it continues to protect investors and restore public confidence in land ownership.

However, property owners must also take proactive steps — by perfecting titles, engaging competent lawyers, and reporting any suspicious activities immediately.

Together, citizens and the government can ensure that Lagos remains a safe and secure environment for real estate investment and development.

Call to Action

Are you facing harassment, illegal encroachment, or threats from land grabbers in Lagos?
Our firm provides expert legal assistance in filing petitions, recovering property, and coordinating with the Lagos State Task Force on Land Grabbers.

📞 0806 555 3671, 08096888818,  08024200080

📧 chamanlawfirm@gmail.com

📍 Chaman Law Firm 115, Obafemi Awolowo Way Allen Junction, Beside Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos

🌐 www.chamanlawfirm.com

👉 Book a consultation now: www.chamanlawfirm.com/book-consultation