Two young men have been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Warri, Delta State, over the alleged unlawful demand of a development levy, commonly referred to as “deve,” from a property developer, Pastor Fred Aghedo. The case is part of a broader crackdown by authorities on illegal levies imposed on developers across the state.
The suspects, identified as Irikefe Ajueyitsi and Abubakar Nasiru, were arraigned on Monday, April 13, before Chief Magistrate E. M. Sowho at Magistrate Court One in Warri. They are facing a two-count charge bordering on illegal demand and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
The prosecution, led by Dicko Wakama, an Assistant Superintendent of Police from the Uvwie Area Command of the Nigerian Police Force, informed the court that the defendants, along with others still at large, allegedly committed the offence on March 12, 2026. The incident reportedly took place at 3rd Marine Quarter Road in Warri.
According to the prosecutor, the accused persons demanded the payment of “deve” from Pastor Aghedo in connection with construction activities on his property. The demand, he stated, is in violation of Section 13(1) of the Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Law, 2018. He added that the offence is punishable under Section 13(2) of the same law.
ASP Wakama further told the court that the defendants engaged in conduct capable of breaching public peace by allegedly creating a nuisance at the property site. He noted that this aspect of the charge is punishable under Section 249(d) of the Criminal Code, Cap C21, Volume 1, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006.
Both defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court.
In her ruling, Chief Magistrate Sowho granted bail to the accused persons under conditions not disclosed in open court. She subsequently adjourned the matter to May 20, 2026, for further hearing.
Providing an account of the incident, the complainant, Pastor Aghedo, told the court that the suspects, accompanied by others who are still at large, allegedly obstructed him and a tractor he had hired for land development at the site. He claimed that the group insisted that work could not proceed unless he paid the demanded “deve.”
According to him, the confrontation disrupted his development plans and forced him to seek intervention from law enforcement authorities. He said the situation prompted him to file a formal petition with the police, which ultimately led to the arrest and arraignment of the suspects.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the activities of individuals and groups who impose unauthorized levies on property developers in parts of Delta State. Such practices, often referred to locally as “deve,” have been widely criticized for increasing the cost of development projects and creating tension between developers and local actors.
Authorities in Delta State have in recent months intensified efforts to curb the illegal collection of such levies. The state government has issued clear directives warning that anyone found demanding “deve” or similar payments from property developers will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Legal observers note that the enforcement of the Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Law, 2018, is aimed at safeguarding investments in the real estate sector and ensuring that developers can operate without harassment or unlawful interference.
The arraignment of Ajueyitsi and Nasiru is seen as part of these enforcement efforts, signaling the government’s commitment to tackling illegal practices that hinder development activities. It also underscores the role of the police and the judiciary in addressing disputes and alleged criminal conduct related to land and property development.
As the case progresses, attention will be focused on the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defence, as well as the court’s interpretation of the relevant laws. The outcome is expected to have implications for similar cases and could serve as a deterrent to others involved in the unlawful demand of development levies.
For now, the defendants remain on bail as they await the next hearing date, when the court is expected to begin substantive consideration of the charges brought against them.
