By Onozure Dania

Lagos—A 67-year-old man, Mutairu Owoeye, and his son Ganiyu Owoeye, 42, were yesterday brought before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, over alleged invasion and destruction of 15 communities in Ibeju Lekki area.

The arraignment of the duo was sequel to a protest by the communities and appeal to the Inspector-General of Police to save them from the alleged invaders.

They are standing trial on a five-count charge of conspiracy, attempted murder, possession of firearms, unlawful invasion, stealing and illegal demolition of properties.

The prosecutor, SP Kehinde Oluwole, said on April 17, at 8a.m., at Oko-Olomi village, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, the accused and others at large invaded some communities.

He said the communities invaded included, Oko Olomi, Olowu Oko-Olomi, Adeba (Jaguna), Itapampa Adeba (Onikonko), Oko-Ile, Oko Idioro, Idi Ope and Adeba.

The prosecutor said the areas invaded was large (1,561 hectares) with different types of buildings.

He said the accused invaded the area with guns and other offensive weapons, which they used to demolish the houses of several residents.

Some of the residents, whose houses were demolished, are Miniru Salia, Raji Adisa, Kamol Agoro, Bariu Abogunloko, Edward Onwunle,Tolani Anifowoshe, Tajudeen Mojeed Eleku, Kufuli Babatunde, Waliu Alabi, and Mohammed Quadiri.

Others are: Ajoke Abiodun, Taiwo Agbaje, Adekanbi Ismail, Saheed Oloore, Kolawole Oladele, Ayinde Dehinde, Elejo Alidu, Bofa Amusan, Adediran Sa-muel, Abiodun Rasheed and Ayodeji Raheem.

Oluwole said the accused allegedly carted away properties worth millions of naira.