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The FCID (Force Criminal Investigation Department) in Alagbon, Lagos, has reiterated that land ownership disputes are civil matters that belong in court and should not be managed by the police.

While speaking with newsmen on Sunday, the FCID spokesperson and Assistant Superintendent of Police, Aminat Mayegun, stated that the police’s involvement in land-related cases is restricted to addressing criminal violations that may arise from these disputes.

Her clarification comes in response to the increasing complaints from property owners and residents in Lagos, who have expressed worries about supposed police involvement in land disputes, even though there have been enduring directives stating that ownership disagreements are civil matters.

Some residents have accused law enforcement officials of actions that they claim have escalated tensions, fostered intimidation, and made it more difficult to resolve land ownership disputes, which they assert should be settled solely through legal processes.

Some assert that this kind of engagement can occasionally skew toward the interests of those in power, thereby further undermining public trust.

Mayegun clarified that matters concerning land boundaries or ownership fall under civil law and must be resolved in court, emphasizing that the police do not have the power to decide ownership of any piece of land.

She pointed out, though, that when crimes occur during a land dispute, police involvement is required.

“The police are duty-bound to intervene and investigate only when land-related disputes give rise to criminal offences, as they have no mandate to determine ownership of land,” she said.

She stated that crimes like getting money through deception, willful damage to property, setting fire to things, physical attack, or any other actions acknowledged by the Criminal Code Act are clearly the police’s responsibility.

She cautioned that those who turn to fraud, violence, or vandalism while claiming to defend land rights would be subject to comprehensive investigations and legal action.

The spokesperson for the FCID warned the public not to resort to vigilante justice and encouraged those who have been wronged to pursue legal remedies via established judicial processes.

She assured that the Nigeria Police Force would uphold its responsibilities in strict accordance with legal standards and urged citizens to report instances of inappropriate land-related interference via the Police Complaints Response Unit.

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