The Oyo State Government, through its Property Protection and Enforcement Unit, has arrested Mr. Olaoluwa Paul Oyeniran, the Youth Leader of Apata, over alleged involvement in land grabbing, fraudulent land sales, and illegal encroachment in parts of Ibadan.
Oyeniran’s arrest followed multiple petitions accusing him of defrauding unsuspecting land buyers of several millions of naira under the false claim that he was acting on behalf of the Oyo State Housing Corporation.
Officials of the enforcement unit disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the suspect had been impersonating officials of the Housing Corporation, illegally selling government-acquired lands.
He was also accused of using threats and intimidation to forcibly take possession of both private and government lands, in violation of the Oyo State Anti-Land Grabbing Law of 2016.
Oyeniran is expected to be charged to court on allegations bordering on land encroachment, obtaining money under false pretence, and impersonation.
The Chairman of the Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force who has reiterated that the state has zero tolerance for unlawful possession and criminal acquisition of land, stating that culprits will be prosecuted under the Oyo State Anti-Land Grabbing Law of 2016.
Residents and property owners have been urged to report any suspicious land dealings or forceful takeovers to the task force, as the government intensifies efforts to protect rightful ownership and deter criminal exploitation of land in the state.
