Police release two Ondo residents arrested over land dispute
Two Ondo residents who were transported from their community to Abuja by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have regained their freedom. This followed the intervention
- …families commend IRT Commander Sanusi for intervening
Two Ondo residents who were transported from their community to Abuja by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have regained their freedom.
This followed the intervention of the unit’s commander, Prof Muhammad Sanusi Ahmed.
The men, identified as Felix Fasehun and Oyewole Oladipupo, were reportedly picked up from their homes in the Okeigbo community, Ondo State, by IRT operatives from Abuja.
Family sources alleged that the arrests were executed in a manner they described as “Gestapo-style,” with the suspects transported in a Hummer bus on a grueling 12-hour journey to the Federal Capital Territory.
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Their release triggered widespread commendation from families and community members, who praised the IRT commander for his firm commitment to due process.
Upon arrival in Abuja, the suspects were initially detained with family members alleging that they were subjected to harsh treatment and presented with stringent bail conditions they could not immediately meet, given their status as peasant farmers unfamiliar with Abuja.
Prof Sanusi Ahmed, a police commissioner reputed for his academic background in law and disciplined command style, reportedly expressed displeasure upon learning of the allegations surrounding the arrests.
According to sources familiar with the development, he made it clear that if claims of torture or extortion were substantiated, severe sanctions would follow.
The commander granted the suspects an audience with witnesses, saying he listened carefully to their accounts despite their visibly distressed condition.
Following a review of the circumstances, he ordered their release and directed that they should not be compelled to pay any money to secure their freedom.
Administrative formalities slightly delayed their departure, but the decision to free them had already been made.
The two men eventually returned to their village at about 1 am on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
At the heart of the controversy lies a land ownership dispute said to date back generations.
Court records indicated that aspects of the matter have been litigated over decades, with previous High Court judgments dating as far back as 1970.
The current phase of the dispute remains before the Ondo State High Court, making it sub judice.
