By Tricia Ikem
A magistrate court in Bwari, Abuja, has struck out a terrorism case against the Oloje Bello family of Orubu Mokun, Majidun, Ikorodu, Lagos State, ending a legal battle that had caused significant distress to the family.
The legal reprieve comes after the family petitioned the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 2, alleging that Ayinla Hazzan and members of the Amosun family, in collaboration with Omotubora Abayomi, orchestrated attacks against them.
According to the petition, the suspects allegedly mobilised land grabbers to intimidate the family, creating fear and preventing them from moving freely within their community.
Chief Tekob Bamidele Oloje, the 62-year-old Regent Baale, told reporters that threats of death had been made against family members, with the assailants reportedly vowing to dispose of their bodies in the Majidun Lagoon.
The family head, Chief Olatunbosun Bamidele Oloje, 72, expressed relief at the court ruling, highlighting the emotional and psychological trauma the family endured during the dispute.
Chief Hakeem Ambali Oloje, the Aare Liwe Nikoro, and Mr. Micheal Fatokunbo, the family secretary, supported the claims, recounting incidents of intimidation, harassment, and threats that had left the community in shock.
The case took a more serious turn when some family members were reportedly arrested by the X-Squad unit of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Area 10, Abuja, under DSP Tilo Ezekiel and Adebayo Aina.
The arrested members were detained for nine days, prompting concerns over potential violations of their constitutional rights under Section 35 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees personal liberty.
After detention, the family members were arraigned on terrorism charges at the Magistrate Court in Bwari, a move the family described as “disproportionate and shocking” given the civil nature of the dispute.
They were remanded at the Suleja Kikirin Correctional Centre, further compounding the anxiety and distress experienced by their relatives and the local community.
Following a review of the charges, the magistrate court struck out the case, ruling that the terrorism allegations could not be substantiated, effectively clearing the defendants of all criminal liability.
The family has alleged that the police officers involved in the arrests are now facing disciplinary action for unlawful detention and procedural irregularities during the handling of the matter.
Legal analysts have pointed out that the case underscores the dangers of misapplying criminal law to civil disputes, particularly in conflicts related to property and land, and highlights the judiciary’s role in safeguarding fundamental rights.
Members of the Ikorodu community welcomed the court’s ruling, describing it as a reaffirmation of the rule of law and an important precedent for protecting citizens from harassment and illegal arrests.
The Oloje Bello family has pledged to continue pursuing all legal avenues to protect their property rights and ensure that those responsible for threats and intimidation are held accountable under the law.
