Understanding the Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Law
Introduction
Land grabbing has long been one of the most disturbing threats to property ownership and investment in Ogun State. Across areas such as Mowe, Ibafo, Magboro, Arepo, Agbara, and Sagamu, countless property buyers have fallen victim to violent takeovers, fraudulent multiple sales, and extortion by individuals popularly known as Omonile (land grabbers).
To tackle this menace and protect genuine landowners, the Ogun State Government enacted the Anti-Land Grabbing Law, 2016, officially called the Ogun State Property Protection Law. This landmark legislation criminalizes illegal occupation, forceful entry, and unlawful sale of land. It also provides a structured legal mechanism to reclaim lands from grabbers and punish offenders.
This article by Chaman Law Firm, a leading real estate and property law firm in Ogun and Lagos, explains in detail everything you need to know about the Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Law—its purpose, provisions, penalties, and how you can use it to defend your property rights.
Background: Why the Anti-Land Grabbing Law Became Necessary
Before 2016, land transactions in Ogun State were riddled with chaos. Families and communities sold land indiscriminately, often to multiple buyers. Developers were harassed by local touts who demanded illegal levies at every stage of construction. Some “Omonile” groups violently invaded properties already lawfully purchased, leaving investors helpless.
The government recognized that this practice was scaring investors away and threatening peaceful development. To restore sanity, it introduced a tough legal framework that criminalizes land grabbing and established a Task Force on Anti-Land Grabbing to enforce it.
Since its enactment, the law has become one of the strongest tools for property protection in the Southwest.
Objectives of the Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Law
The major goals of the law include:
To protect landowners and developers from unlawful interference.
To criminalize forceful entry, occupation, and illegal sale of land.
To regulate family and communal land transactions.
To promote peaceful coexistence in property development.
To enhance investor confidence and encourage real estate growth.
Scope of the Law
The Ogun State Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Law applies to:
All lands within Ogun State, whether private, communal, or government-acquired.
Individuals, families, and associations engaged in illegal sale or occupation of land.
Developers, agents, or syndicates that aid or abet land grabbing.
Any person demanding unauthorized payments from property owners.
No individual or family is exempt; once an act of illegal occupation or sale occurs, the law applies.
Key Provisions of the Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Law
Let’s break down the major sections and what they mean for property owners.
1. Forceful Takeover and Illegal Occupation (Section 2)
It is a criminal offence for anyone to enter or remain on a land without lawful authority or consent from the rightful owner.
Penalty: Up to 21 years imprisonment for conviction.
This means anyone who invades or builds on your land without permission is committing a serious criminal offence.
2. Illegal Sale of Land (Section 3)
Selling land without the owner’s authority or consent is also criminalized.
Penalty: Up to 21 years imprisonment or fine, or both.
This protects buyers from fraudulent multiple sales and impersonations by fake “family representatives.”
3. Use of Force, Threats, or Thugs (Section 4)
The law prohibits the use of armed men, thugs, or intimidation to take possession of land or prevent legitimate owners from developing their property.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
4. Demand for Illegal Fees (Section 5)
No individual or group has the right to demand money such as “foundation levy,” “roofing fee,” or “development fee” from property owners or developers unless approved by government.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
5. Destruction of Property and Boundary Beacons (Section 6)
Tampering with or removing boundary beacons, fences, or signposts is also a criminal act under the law.
Penalty: Up to 10 – year imprisonment.
6. Fraudulent Survey and Title Documents (Section 7)
Any surveyor or agent who knowingly falsifies documents or assists in illegal sales commits an offence.
Penalty: 10- years imprisonment and professional sanction.
7. Use of State Task Force (Section 8)
The law establishes the Ogun State Task Force on Anti-Land Grabbing, under the Office of the Governor.
This body has authority to:
Investigate complaints,
Arrest and prosecute offenders,
Recover land for legitimate owners, and
Work with law enforcement agencies for enforcement.
8. Jurisdiction of Courts (Section 9)
The High Court of Ogun State has exclusive jurisdiction to try offences under the law. This ensures speedy and effective justice.
How to File a Complaint Under the Law
If you are a victim of land grabbing in Ogun State, follow these steps:
Gather Your Evidence
Title documents (C of O, Deed of Assignment, receipts)
Survey plan and photographs of the property
Any correspondence or witness statements
Consult a Property Lawyer
A lawyer will analyze your case and prepare a petition in line with the Land Grabbing Law.Report to the Ogun State Task Force on Land Grabbing
Submit your complaint at the Ministry of Justice, Abeokuta. The Task Force will investigate, summon the parties, and make findings.Involve the Police or Anti-Land Grabbing Unit
The police can arrest and detain offenders pending investigation.File Court Action if Necessary
If mediation fails, your lawyer can institute proceedings in the High Court to reclaim your property and seek damages.
How the Task Force Works
The Ogun State Task Force on Land Grabbing operates under the direct supervision of the Governor. Its functions include:
Receiving petitions from landowners and developers
Conducting site investigations
Arresting offenders in collaboration with police
Initiating prosecution through the Ministry of Justice
Enforcing court orders to restore possession to rightful owners
This agency has successfully resolved numerous high-profile land disputes since 2016, recovering hectares of land from notorious grabbers.
Case Study: Enforcement of the Anti-Land Grabbing Law in Arepo
In 2021, a group of developers in Arepo reported repeated harassment by armed youths claiming to be “Omonile.” The Task Force investigated, discovered the group had no legitimate authority, and arrested its leaders. The suspects were prosecuted in Abeokuta High Court and convicted under the Anti-Land Grabbing Law.
This case restored confidence in the system and showed that Ogun State takes land protection seriously.
Importance of Documentation
The strength of your complaint or defense lies in your documentation. Always ensure you have:
Registered Deed of Assignment
Approved survey plan
Governor’s Consent
Receipts and agreements
Boundary witnesses
Proper documentation distinguishes you as a lawful owner and makes it easier to invoke the protection of the law.
Preventive Measures for Property Owners
To avoid becoming a victim of land grabbers:
Conduct due diligence before purchase.
Engage a licensed surveyor to confirm boundaries.
Register your documents promptly.
Avoid buying from “agents” without family authorization.
Fence and mark your property immediately after purchase.
Inform local community development associations (CDAs) of your ownership.
Retain a property lawyer to monitor your land and handle disputes.
Penalties Under the Ogun Anti-Land Grabbing Law
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Forceful takeover of land | Up to 21 years imprisonment |
| Illegal sale of land | Up to 21 years imprisonment |
| Use of thugs or violence | Up to 15 years imprisonment |
| Demand for illegal levies | Up to 10 years imprisonment |
| Destruction of property/beacons | Up to 10 years imprisonment |
| Aiding and abetting offenders | 10 years imprisonment |
These penalties show that the state government has zero tolerance for land grabbing.
How the Law Protects Buyers and Developers
The law protects both individuals and corporate developers who acquire land legitimately. Once you have authentic documents and you’re developing within approved boundaries, no family, group, or individual has any right to demand payment or interfere with your project.
The Task Force can deploy security operatives to protect your site while construction continues.
Relationship Between the Ogun Law and the Land Use Act
The Land Use Act of 1978 vests all land in the Governor of each state. The Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Law complements the Land Use Act by enforcing lawful possession and punishing illegal occupation.
In essence, the Land Use Act regulates ownership; the Ogun law enforces protection of that ownership.
What Makes the Ogun State Law Unique
It prescribes stiffer penalties than similar laws in other states.
It created a dedicated task force for enforcement.
It covers both civil and criminal dimensions of land grabbing.
It recognizes the rights of both private citizens and corporate investors.
The Role of Lawyers in Enforcing the Law
Property lawyers play a central role in:
Drafting and filing petitions to the Task Force
Representing victims in court
Conducting searches at land registries
Securing injunctions to stop further encroachment
Liaising with surveyors and police for enforcement
At Chaman Law Firm, our legal team is experienced in using the Anti-Land Grabbing Law to recover land, prosecute offenders, and protect developers.
Common Misconceptions About the Law
Myth 1: The law protects only government lands.
Fact: It protects all lawful property owners, including individuals and companies.
Myth 2: Once you pay “Omonile,” they can’t disturb you.
Fact: Paying illegal fees does not legalize their actions.
Myth 3: Only large estates can use the Task Force.
Fact: Any individual property owner can file a complaint.
Myth 4: Family land cannot be challenged.
Fact: Once land has been lawfully transferred and documented, no family can reclaim it by force.
Legal Remedies Under the Law
Victims of land grabbing can pursue both criminal and civil remedies:
Criminal Prosecution – For illegal sale or forceful occupation.
Civil Action – For declaration of title, recovery, and damages.
Injunction – To restrain grabbers from entering the land.
Restitution – To restore the property to rightful ownership.
Case Law Support
In Ogun State v. Alhaji Tajudeen Oyewole (2020), the High Court affirmed that land grabbers who forcibly enter land despite warnings commit an offence under Section 2 of the Ogun State Law. The court ordered eviction and sentenced the offenders to prison, reinforcing the law’s effectiveness.
Challenges in Enforcement
While the law is effective, some challenges remain:
Limited awareness among the public
Delays in reporting cases
Forged documents and fake surveys
Collusion between some traditional heads and speculators
Nonetheless, ongoing reforms, sensitization, and proactive legal enforcement are helping to overcome these challenges.
Impact of the Law on Real Estate Development
The Anti-Land Grabbing Law has significantly boosted investor confidence in Ogun State. Developers can now safely acquire and develop lands knowing that the state provides legal backing. It has also reduced violent clashes and improved government revenue through title registration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does the law cover land disputes between families?
Yes. It applies where one family wrongfully sells or occupies land belonging to another.
Q2: Can I go directly to the Task Force without a lawyer?
Yes, but having a lawyer helps present your case professionally and ensures documentation is complete.
Q3: How long does it take to resolve a case?
It varies depending on investigation and court process, but urgent cases receive priority.
Q4: Is there a fee to file a complaint?
No, complaints to the Task Force are free. You only pay for legal representation if needed.
Q5: What documents do I need before reporting?
Deed of Assignment, survey plan, receipts, and any proof of payment or possession.
Practical Tips for Property Buyers
Always verify sellers through the Ogun State Land Bureau.
Never rely on verbal agreements or family receipts alone.
Request copies of previous title documents.
Confirm layout approval with the Ministry of Physical Planning.
Document all payments and transactions.
Future Prospects: Strengthening the Law
The Ogun State Government continues to improve property protection by:
Digitizing land records through the Ogun Geographic Information System (OGGIS).
Training enforcement officers on land administration.
Collaborating with courts for faster prosecution.
Partnering with professional bodies like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON).
These initiatives will make land grabbing nearly impossible in the near future.
Conclusion
The Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Law represents a bold step toward protecting investors, property owners, and developers from fraudulent and violent land dealings. It gives every citizen the confidence to acquire land legally, develop it peacefully, and seek redress if threatened.
Understanding and utilizing this law is essential for every landowner and developer in the state. Don’t let ignorance or intimidation rob you of your property rights.
Call to Action
Are you facing harassment from land grabbers or having disputes over your property in Ogun State?
Don’t confront them alone—use the power of the law to your advantage.
