A Nigerian medical doctor based in the United States, Dr. Ojo Oluwatosin, has formally sought protection from the Lagos State Commissioner of Justice, Lawal Pedro, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, due to threats received from unidentified individuals over a disputed parcel of land in Lekki, Lagos State. The land is currently the subject of litigation in the Lagos State High Court’s land division and is intended for the construction of a medical hospital.
In an urgent message signed by his attorney, Ayodele Osanyinlusi, Dr. Oluwatosin reported that construction efforts were violently disrupted when over twenty thugs stormed the site, driving away workers and security personnel. This incident has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of both Dr. Oluwatosin and his investment.
Court documents reveal that on December 10, 2024, Honourable Justice Akinkunmi Idowu granted an interlocutory injunction in favor of Dr. Oluwatosin, explicitly prohibiting all defendants from approaching the land or engaging in any activities there until the case is resolved. The ruling emphasized that no party should use force, intimidation, or any means to disrupt the construction or threaten those present on the property.
Despite this legal protection, Dr. Oluwatosin has alleged that unidentified thugs continue to intimidate and harass workers at the site on weekends. He has publicly called on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Lagos State Attorney General to ensure his safety and protect his property from these ongoing threats.
Osanyinlusi, during a press briefing, urged law enforcement to take immediate action to prevent the situation from escalating into violence. “We do not want violence or chaos. We are law-abiding Nigerians, which is why we are calling on the police and well-meaning citizens to help prevent any bloodshed,” he stated.
In response to inquiries about the ongoing threats related to the land dispute, Oseni Akerele, representing one of the defendants, declined to comment, citing the ongoing court case. He emphasized the importance of following judicial procedures, stating, “If anybody has any grievance, let them go back to the court. We are still in court. The matter has just been adjourned.”
This situation underscores the challenges faced by individuals seeking to develop properties in Nigeria, where legal disputes can lead to significant safety concerns. Dr. Oluwatosin’s case highlights the need for effective law enforcement intervention in order to ensure the protection of citizens and their investments.
