Edo Declares War on Land Grabbers As New Law Slams 10-Year Jail Term for Forceful Takeover of Government Property

In a decisive move to safeguard public assets and restore accountability in governance, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has signed into law two major legislations — the Edo State Public Property Protection Law, 2025, and the Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law, 2025.

The new laws mark a milestone in the administration’s reform agenda aimed at curbing the illegal occupation, sale, and abuse of government-owned property, while reinforcing the institutional framework for justice delivery in the state.

Under the Edo State Public Property Protection Law, individuals who violently or forcefully invade or occupy state-owned property now face up to 10 years in prison, while unauthorized sale or transfer of government assets without the Governor’s consent carries a five-year jail term.

The law also establishes the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee, empowered to identify, seal, and recover encroached public properties, investigate disputes, and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to prosecute offenders. Professionals who aid or abet illegal land transactions involving state assets will face both criminal prosecution and disciplinary sanctions from their professional bodies.

Governor Okpebholo described the law as a “bold declaration of zero tolerance for corruption and impunity,” adding that public assets “belong to the people of Edo State, not to individuals or privileged groups.”

He stressed, “This law ensures that no one, no matter how highly placed, can appropriate public property for private gain. It’s about restoring order, discipline, and respect for our collective patrimony.”

In addition, the Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law, 2025 formally reinstates the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal as a superior court of record, in accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The Court will handle appeals on customary law issues and original jurisdiction over chieftaincy and traditional matters across the state.

Under the new structure, the Court’s President will be appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and subject to confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly. Six other judges with at least ten years of post-call experience will also be appointed to serve.

To ensure judicial independence, the law provides that the salaries and allowances of the Court’s judges be charged directly to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Edo State.

Governor Okpebholo hailed the re-establishment of the Court as “a reaffirmation of Edo’s commitment to accessible justice, respect for traditional values, and fidelity to constitutional principles,” emphasizing that a strong justice system is “the bedrock of good governance, stability, and investor confidence.”

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice commended the Governor for his foresight, describing the new laws as “critical instruments for institutional renewal and the protection of Edo’s moral and material heritage.”