By our Reporter
AN Abuja-based Property Developer, Mr. Sally Boise has petitioned against a serving Police Commissioner including other police officers for allegedly meddling in the said land matter despite repeated directives from the Police Service Commission to halt further investigations pending judicial determination.
Biose, through his lawyers in a petition dated February 16, 2026 (today) addressed to the Chairman of the PSC, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd), Mr. Biose accused officers of the Nigeria Police Force, led by ASP Samuel Ugbanawaji of the IGP Monitoring Unit, Abuja including a serving Police Commissioner over the violation.
According to the petition, Mr. Biose, an Abuja-based Property Developer was arrested in Asaba, Delta State, on February 15, 2026, despite not being named in any criminal charge relating to the disputed property.
It stated that “The arrest was carried out without regard to existing court proceedings and in defiance of established police directives against involvement in land disputes.
The petition further alleged that the Police action was connected to a long-running land dispute involving Bonatec Nigeria Limited and former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, with multiple suits pending before the High Courts and the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
Mr. Biose’s lawyers further claimed that “On October 14, 2024, Police officers allegedly led by ASP Ugbanawaji supervised the demolition of their client’s property without authorisation from either the Development Control Department or the enforcement unit of the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
“Both Agencies later distanced themselves from the demolition.
“Despite the matter being before the courts, the Police officers continued to arrest and harass individuals connected to the dispute, including parties not listed in any charge”, the petition alleges.
Biose, had already instituted a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Police, which is still pending before the FCT High Court. Several civil and criminal cases were cited as on-going in relation to the disputed land, including suits before the FCT High Court and appeals at the Court of Appeal, raising concerns about the principle of lis pendens, which bars interference in matters already before a court of law.
The Townhall Ng gathered that as at the time of this report, the Police Service Commission and the Nigeria Police Force were yet to react.
*IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD
