The Ondo State Government has ordered an immediate investigation into an alleged ₦4.1m land fraud involving a couple who claimed they were deceived into paying for 10 acres of land in a government forestry reserve.
The couple, Mr and Mrs Coats, popularly known on social media as Anu and Pablo, lodged their complaint with the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, on Monday, submitting documents relating to the disputed transaction.
They presented an affidavit, petition, survey plans, payment receipts and other documents concerning the property located at Ugbo Oluwa, Ipogun, in the Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.
Following the submission, Ajulo, who also chairs the Ondo State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force, directed the task force to commence investigation into the matter and establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction.
The couple, who are content creators, said they were introduced to a land agent, Bamidele Ebenezer Omole, through the manager of Smokin’ Hills Golf Resort, Mr Olakunle Fagbemileye. They alleged that Omole subsequently linked them with Folorunsho Joseph Ayilaran, who purportedly claimed ownership of a parcel measuring over 100 acres.
According to the documents submitted by the couple, they agreed to purchase 10 acres at ₦550,000 per acre and made payments towards the transaction. They, however, alleged that a subsequent survey raised concerns over the ownership and status of the property.
The couple further alleged that the fresh survey showed that the 10 acres they sought to acquire were within a gazetted government forestry reserve, while over 30 per cent of the larger 110-acre parcel in the initial survey was also said to be within the reserve. They subsequently demanded a refund but claimed that Ayilaran stopped communicating with them.
Ajulo assured the couple that the government would investigate the allegations and take appropriate action against anyone found culpable. He said the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would not allow individuals involved in unlawful land dealings to undermine the state’s land administration system or damage its reputation as an investment destination.
He urged residents and prospective investors to report suspected cases of land grabbing to the appropriate government authorities rather than relying solely on social media to seek redress.
Ajulo said the state’s commitment to combating land grabbing had been strengthened through an executive order, the enactment of the Anti-Land Grabbing and Property Protection Law and the establishment of the task force.
He added that the task force was established not only to investigate complaints but also to safeguard the integrity of the state’s land administration system and protect residents and genuine investors from fraudulent and unlawful property transactions.
