The family of Lagos businessman, Otunba Olanrewaju Adenuga, has petitioned the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Moshood Jimoh, over the alleged forceful occupation of their property at No. 113, Awolowo Way, Ikeja, by suspected hoodlums.
In a petition filed through their lawyers, Brookgreen LP, the family accused nine suspects of vandalising assets worth over ₦2 million and carting away construction materials valued at about ₦8 million.
The Adenugas alleged that the suspects converted the premises into a criminal hideout, leasing parts of the land to roadside operators while using it as a base for smoking Indian hemp, alcohol consumption, and other illicit gatherings.
They further claimed that engineers sent to begin development on the site were detained by the gang, with one suspect allegedly demanding ransom before their release.
According to the petition, the gang’s leader went as far as demanding ₦800,000 and annual gifts of goats before vacating the property.
The family also alleged that the suspects openly boasted of cult affiliation and repeatedly issued death threats against Otunba Adenuga and members of his household.
In one incident described as “chilling,” Otunba Adenuga claimed he narrowly escaped an attack by the suspects, even in the presence of police officers, who were reportedly overpowered during the confrontation.
“This is not just a case of trespass but a sustained campaign of intimidation, theft, and attempted murder that has left our client in constant fear for his life,” the family said in the petition.
The Adenugas urged the Commissioner of Police to order the arrest and prosecution of the suspects, warning that their continued occupation of the property poses a danger to both their safety and public order in Ikeja.
They further described the incident as part of a disturbing trend of brazen property invasions across Lagos, often linked to gangs operating under the guise of cult groups.