Orugbo Community Petitions IGP Over Alleged Attempted Murder, Forceful Takeover of Land by Jamiu Ogularu, Mutairu Owoeye, Others

Residents and leaders of Ajebo-Orugbo Ido Community have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over alleged acts of violence, attempted murder, and forceful takeover of ancestral landed properties by one Jamiu Ogunlaru, Mutairu Owoeye, and several others.

In a petition dated December 15, 2025, the community accused Ogunlaru and his associates of unleashing violence on the community by allegedly bringing in suspected cultists armed with dangerous weapons. According to the petition, the invasion resulted in serious injuries to several residents.

Speaking with journalists, Nureni Liasu, the Aro of Orugbo, stated that the disputed landed properties were never sold to Ogunlaru’s family but were merely leased to his late father, who came to work in the community years ago. He maintained that there are duly signed documents to support the community’s claims.

Liasu further alleged that he was physically assaulted by hoodlums allegedly sent by Ogunlaru and was later unjustly arrested alongside other community members. He claimed the arrests led to tragic consequences.

“Jamiu Ogunlaru has been disturbing this community for over two years. His father was only a worker here and later married someone from the town. He was leased land with proper documentation. After his father’s death, Jamiu suddenly came to claim ownership of all the land in Ajebo,” Liasu said.

He continued: “I was attacked by about five people and ended up at Ikorodu General Hospital. When I reported to the police, nothing was done. Days later, I and other community members were arrested again. Sadly, one of us, Tunde Alasau, later died after falling ill in police custody.”

Another victim, Sunbo Ebiomo, narrated her ordeal, alleging that she was brutally beaten after confronting Ogunlaru and his associates for allegedly attempting to take over land inherited from her father.

“I was born and raised in Orugbo. Some people who bought my father’s land wanted to build, so I went to see them. Suddenly, some strangers came to stop the work. When I challenged them, Jamiu Ogunlaru arrived with others, including Ayo, Kubura, Samuel Talabi, and some herbalists,” she said.

“They asked if the land belonged to me, and before I could say anything more, I was beaten until I could no longer walk. When I got to the police station, I realised Jamiu had already contacted them, so my complaint was ignored. The assault happened again later, and I was even stripped naked. Jamiu eventually abandoned his statement when he realised I was telling the truth. He has no roots in Orugbo and does not belong to our community,” she added.

However, Ogunlaru has denied all allegations, insisting that he and his family are the rightful owners of the disputed properties and that he is, in fact, the victim.

“They are lying. We did not lease any land from them. Even those they claim leased land to my father have no history in Orugbo. We went to court in Ogudu and obtained a judgment which established that the Lucy family has no land in Ajebo,” Ogunlaru said.

He added: “My father left this property for me. These people want to take it over using connections. None of them owns a house or property in Ajebo. We have had a school there since 1942. Because of threats to my life, I haven’t been able to sleep in my home. The accusations against me are what they are actually doing.”

When contacted, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Agbowa Police Station denied having prior knowledge of the incidents.

As of the time of filing this report, the petition is awaiting the attention of the Inspector-General of Police.