The Ondo State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force has recovered N4.1m paid by a couple, Mr and Mrs Coats, popularly known on social media as Anu and Pablo, in a disputed land transaction in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.
The couple had alleged that they paid for 10 acres of land at Ugbo Oluwa, Ipogun, but later discovered through an independent survey that the property was within a gazetted government Forestry Reserve.
Following the discovery, the couple demanded a refund of their money but said their efforts yielded no result until they took their complaint to social media and subsequently petitioned the Ondo State Ministry of Justice.
They presented their petition, affidavit, survey documents, payment receipts and other relevant documents to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, who directed that the matter be investigated and referred to the task force office in Oke-Eda, Akure.
The couple later confirmed that the N4.1m had been recovered and expressed appreciation to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the officials involved in resolving the dispute.
“We thank Governor Aiyedatiwa for the legal framework and institutional mechanism put in place to tackle land grabbing and protect residents and legitimate investors. They listened to us, looked into the matter and acted swiftly, and today, we have received our money,” the couple said.
They also commended Ajulo and officials of the task force for what they described as professionalism and respectful treatment, saying the intervention had strengthened their confidence in the state’s commitment to protecting residents and legitimate investors.
Ajulo said the recovery demonstrated the administration’s determination to protect property rights and improve confidence in Ondo State’s land administration, urging residents facing suspected land grabbing or fraudulent property transactions to approach the appropriate government authorities for redress.
