The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Epe Branch, Lagos State, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, to investigate its Monitoring Unit, over alleged aiding and abetting of land grabbers and intimidation of residents.
The branch made the call in a petition signed by its Secretary, Mr Jimoh Saliu, on behalf of the Chairman, Mr Ademola Koko, and issued to newsmen in Lagos.
In the petition addressed to the IGP the branch also alleged that the police aided activities of fake lawyers and encouraged use of thugs within the Lekki axis of Lagos.
”We have watched the incessent unconstitutional and nefarious activities of police officers of the IGP Monitoring Unit, Abuja, who are only interested in land matters in Lagos State, particularly within Lekki axis, which are civil in nature.
“We have been inundated with land grabbing complaints within our jurisdiction,” the branch said.
It alleged that some land gabbers solicited the help of the monitoring unit which, it claimed, used police powers and intimidation to hoodwink members of the public into surrendering legitimate rights over their property.
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“The petition of the NBA, Epe Branch, is pursuant to the public protection right of the citizens as provided under the constitution of the NBA,” it said.
The NBA branch demanded that the monitoring unit should be restrained from coming to Lekki for land matters.
It said that disputants should approach courts of competent jurisdiction on land matters.
“We also demand that the the legal department of the police should take over all the cases, they are thoroughly trained in legal matters.
“Police stations should advise parties to approach courts of law.
“We are prepared to work in good symbiotic relationship with the police to secure the Nigeria of our dream, but activities of some officers are making it hard despite the sleepless nights of the IGP and other good officers of the force, particularly in a difficult time as this,” it said.
The branch also warned fake lawyers to steer clear of legal matters.
“Enough of non-lawyers denigrating the image and integrity of members of NBA.
The branch copied the petition to the chairman, Police Service Commission, Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Judge of Lagos State and the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, among others.
