Police not shielding me – Land suit’s defendant

Sesan Olufowobi

Mutairu Owoeye, one of the men accused of attacking some communities in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State, has denied that he is being protected by the police, saying he has not broken any law.

He said he was a licensed estate agent and registered

with the government, adding that the land that the communities were fighting him over was legitimately bought.

Leaders of 15 communities in the Ibeju-Lekki area had accused the police of shielding Mutairu and his son, Ganiyu Owoeye, and failing to arraign them in court on Wednesday.

The communities had called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to intervene and make sure that the suspects faced justice.

However, in his reaction on Thursday, Mutairu said he was not being protected, adding that his failure to appear in court was because he became ill in police custody.

He said, “I am not a land grabber. I am a licensed estate agent and registered with the government. The police are not shielding me. I am not a criminal.

“The police sent for me in Abuja based on an ongoing investigation into a land matter. When I got to Abuja, I was detained. I was not happy about this because I felt if I am being investigated, I should not be detained since I voluntarily honoured police’s invitation.

“I got in touch with my lawyer and I was asked to write my statement at the police headquarters. Thereafter, the police detained me again and after a few days, I collapsed while in cell. I have issue with my blood pressure and I am also diabetic.

“When I developed complication and collapsed, I was rushed to a police hospital in Area 1, Abuja.

“After a few days, I was given bail; but to my surprise, the police said they want to follow me to my residence in Lagos after I had bought my ticket. I suspected foul play.

“I told them that the arrangement was not tidy. I guessed my blood pressure rose again and I became uncomfortable. So, I was rushed to Mamman Medical Centre, Area 8, Abuja, where I am still recuperating.

“I bought the land in question from Toll System and I have all the necessary documents. My claims can be verified. I am a legitimate estate agent and I am not on the run. I want the Inspector General of Police to intervene. My life is under threat. If the communities’ leaders also have genuine documents, they should bring them out.”