Adenuga family seeks Lagos CP’s intervention as hoodlums seize property, threaten lives in Ikeja

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has been called upon to wade into a disturbing case of lawlessness in Ikeja, where a prominent businessman, Otunba Olarenwaju Adenuga, and his wife allege that a gang of hoodlums has forcefully taken over their property, vandalized assets worth millions, and threatened their lives.

In a petition filed through their lawyers, Brookgreen LP, the Adenugas accused nine suspects, led by one Mr. Adeshina Musa Jelili, of turning their property at No. 113, Awolowo Way, Ikeja, into a den for criminal activities.

Others named in the petition include Mr. Ibrahim Lekan Sondo, Baale Aremu Folorunsho, Mr. Taiwo Muhammed, and individuals notorious in the area under aliases such as Area Father Allen, Iya Ibeji, Iya Aliya, Obente, and Alawo.

According to the petition, the suspects invaded the site earlier this year, destroying fittings valued at ₦2 million and carting away construction materials worth ₦8 million.

The property was then unlawfully leased to roadside operators while also being converted into a base for the sale and smoking of Indian hemp, alcohol consumption, and other illicit gatherings.

The Adenugas further allege that engineers sent to commence development were seized by the gang, with one suspect, Alawo, demanding ransom for their release.

The lead suspect, Jelili, allegedly went further to demand ₦800,000 and annual “gifts” of goats before vacating the land.

What is more troubling, the petition states, is that the gang openly boasts of cult affiliations and has repeatedly threatened to eliminate Otunba Adenuga and his family.

In one chilling incident, the businessman narrowly escaped a violent attack launched by the gang in the presence of police officers, who were overpowered.

“This is not just a case of trespass but a sustained campaign of intimidation, theft, and attempted murder that has left our client in constant fear for his life,” the petition reads.

The Adenuga family is now appealing directly to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to order the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspects, warning that their continued reign of terror poses a threat not only to them but also to public safety in Ikeja.

The case underscores growing concerns over the rising trend of property invasions and the brazenness of criminal gangs operating under cult protection in Lagos communities.