Family of Detained Bricklayer in Ondo State Appeals for Justice

In a distressing turn of events in Ondo State, the family of Ojo Ajisafe, a 32-year-old bricklayer, has raised alarms over his recent arrest and detention, which they claim is orchestrated by individuals allegedly backed by a local politician. This situation has not only caused immense pain to Ajisafe’s family but has also sparked concerns about the integrity of law enforcement in the region.

Reports indicate that Ajisafe’s family is embroiled in a land dispute involving approximately 6,000 acres of land inherited from his late father. Following Ajisafe’s refusal to relinquish control of the property, a group of land grabbers, reportedly in collaboration with a powerful politician, has targeted him and his family. The relentless pressure has led to sponsored attacks aimed at intimidating Ajisafe into submission.

Eyewitness accounts reveal that on Monday, armed officers from the Nigeria Police Force raided Ajisafe’s home in Okedasa, assaulting him in front of his wife and five children before taking him into custody at the Assistant Inspector General of Police’s Office, Zone 17, Akure. His wife, Endurance Ajisafe, expressed her desperation and fear over her husband’s safety, detailing the harrowing experiences the family has faced.

Endurance recounted, “The land in Igba belonged to his father before his passing. My husband is the one who looks after the land since his brother does not live here. However, some of our extended family members have been pressuring him to give up the land, and they have enlisted the help of a wealthy politician in Ondo State to force him out.” She added that her husband had been threatened multiple times, and the police had been used as instruments of intimidation against him.

The situation escalated when Endurance explained that every time the police arrived at their home, they would beat Ojo mercilessly during the arrest, denying the family access to him or even basic necessities like food. “They told us that the politician said no one should be allowed to see him,” she lamented, emphasizing the fear that has taken over their household. “We have been living in constant panic. Since his arrest, we have not eaten properly, and we are desperately trying to secure his release before something terrible happens.”

The family’s plight has drawn attention, leading to a formal petition submitted by Ajisafe’s lawyer, M. Arowojolu, on August 25. This petition was directed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, appealing for intervention and highlighting the threats faced by the family. The petition detailed a previous attack in May, where armed assailants, allegedly sponsored by the politician, ambushed Ajisafe while he was returning from the disputed land, intending to harm him.

In the petition, it was alleged that the police had been complicit by failing to investigate the matter adequately, with claims that the Monitoring Unit had ignored the case. The lawyer pointed out that Ajisafe had sought police help previously, but his complaints were dismissed, allowing the situation to escalate unchecked. “The whole ordeal stems from the politician’s desire to acquire 90 acres of Ajisafe’s land, disregarding a court judgment that was in Ajisafe’s favor,” the petition stated.

When contacted for comment, the politician in question, Iranola Akinlaja, refuted all accusations, asserting, “I don’t have any land issues with anybody.”

In response to the unfolding situation, the Zone 17 Police Public Relations Officer, Adeoye Adeola, confirmed that the matter is currently under investigation. He assured the public that appropriate action would be taken to ensure justice is served.

As the Ajisafe family navigates this troubling ordeal, their calls for justice resonate with many who are concerned about the abuse of power and the challenges faced by ordinary citizens against influential figures. The outcome of this case may not only impact the Ajisafe family but also serve as a critical test of the integrity of law enforcement and the protection of citizens’ rights in Ondo State.