Tension is mounting at Lekki Peninsula Scheme II following serious allegations that a senior officer of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce), CSP. Adetayo Akerele, is using police-backed enforcement to facilitate what has been described as an unlawful takeover of private land, in defiance of a subsisting court order.
The dispute centres on a parcel of land identified as Plot Block 69H, Lekki Peninsula Scheme II, Lagos, which is claimed by Advance Lincon Limited, a company incorporated in 1999.
According to documents made available to journalists, the company maintains that the land was lawfully allocated to it by the Lagos State Government between 2002 and 2009, with all statutory obligations fulfilled, culminating in the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy in 2014.
Sources close to the matter allege that despite the company’s long-standing possession and registered title, a rival entity—Lincoln Advanced Radiology Service Limited, reportedly incorporated in 2023—has laid claim to the same property without presenting any registered title. The situation has since escalated, with accusations that state actors are being deployed to enforce the interests of the newer claimant.
Particularly troubling are claims that CSP Akerele, acting through the Taskforce, has led operations on the land involving police presence, allegedly supervising activities such as fencing and development works.
These actions, stakeholders argue, amount to land grabbing under the cover of law enforcement authority.
The controversy deepened following an Order of the High Court of Lagos State issued on March 10, 2026, directing all parties to maintain the status quo pending compliance with pre-action protocols. Legal representatives of Advance Lincon Limited insist that the order remains valid and binding.
However, eyewitness accounts and reports from the site suggest that the directive has been ignored.
Armed personnel allegedly accompanied workers to the property in what observers described as a “commando-style” operation, continuing construction activities despite the court’s directive.
Legal experts warn that such actions, if proven, could constitute contempt of court—a serious offence that undermines judicial authority and carries potential penalties, including imprisonment.
Further allegations link the dispute to officials within the New Town Development Authority, NTDA, particularly one Mr. Aboyeji, as well as to the interests of Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Honourable Minister for Education. While no formal response has been issued by these individuals as of the time of filing this report, calls are growing for transparency and clarification.
Concerned stakeholders and civil rights advocates have condemned the development, describing it as a dangerous precedent that threatens property rights and the rule of law in Lagos State.
They argue that the use of police or taskforce personnel in civil land disputes raises serious constitutional and ethical questions.
“There is a growing perception that state power is being weaponised to dispossess lawful owners,” one legal practitioner familiar with the case noted. “If court orders can be disregarded so openly, it undermines the very foundation of justice.”
It was also gathered that contempt proceedings have been initiated against the alleged violators, including the issuance of a Form 48—Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Court Order. Despite this, activities on the land are said to be ongoing.
A statement jointly signed by Akinlabi Apara, Esq., Counsel to Advance Lincoln Limited and Comrade Semiu Olanrewaju, Protocol Officer, Lagos Advocacy Group warned that failure to address the situation promptly could embolden similar actions across the state, eroding public confidence in both the judiciary and law enforcement institutions.
As tensions continue to rise, stakeholders are calling on the Lagos State Government to urgently intervene, enforce compliance with the court order, and clearly state its position on the matter.
Efforts to reach the Lagos State Taskforce, the NTDA, and representatives of the rival claimant for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.
