Abdulrahman Sanusi, a 65-year-old cleric, has been brought before a Chief Magistrate’s court in Ado-Ekiti to face charges bordering on a breach of public peace and malicious damage to property.
The prosecutor, ASP Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendant, on May 1, 2026 at Ado-Ekiti within Ado-Ekiti Magisterial District, did conduct himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by entering into an existing uncompleted building on a parcel of land in actual possession of Fasola Olayinka Collins.
ASP Oriyomi said the defendant on the same date and place did maliciously damage the uncompleted building valued N20,000,000:00, property of late Madam Funmilayo Mary Fasola, in care of Fasola Olayinka Collins, and did forcefully take over the land.
The prosecutor added that the offence committed is punishable under Section 65, 354 of the Criminal Laws of EKiti State 2021, and under Section 2(2) of the EKiti State property protection (Anti-Land Grabbing) Law, 2020 (as amended).
Counsel to the defendant, Barrister Sunday Ochaiyi, urged the court to admit his client to bail that he will not jump bail.
In his ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mr. Abayomi Adeosun, granted bail of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
What You Should Know
A 65-year-old religious leader, Abdulrahman Sanusi, appeared in court in Ado-Ekiti over accusations that he forcefully took over a piece of land and damaged an uncompleted building valued at N20 million. Following his arraignment and plea for bail by his legal counsel, the Chief Magistrate granted him bail set at N500,000 with two sureties.
- Positive Impact: The legal process demonstrates that land disputes and allegations of illegal takeovers are being addressed through formal judicial channels rather than self-help.
- Potential Concerns: Incidents involving land grabbing and property destruction highlight ongoing security and ownership challenges regarding real estate within local communities.
