A high-stakes legal battle has erupted in Ibadan as prominent real estate developer, Dr. Taiwo Paul Olukunle, has taken Ismaila Alao, the son of late business mogul Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola Alao, to court over what he alleges is a fraudulent scheme to dispossess him of a prime parcel of land located in the Jericho area of Ibadan South West Local Government Area.
According to court documents and sworn affidavits obtained by SaharaReporters, Dr. Olukunle accuses Mr. Alao of orchestrating a coordinated campaign of harassment, intimidation, and unlawful land grabbing, with the alleged collusion of officers of the Nigerian Police Force. The disputed land, which sits in a high-value district of Ibadan, is reportedly worth several billions of naira.
The real estate developer further alleges that some members of the police acted “outside their legal jurisdiction”, facilitating harassment, wrongful detentions, and even destruction of property. Dr. Olukunle claims that despite securing a Fundamental Rights Enforcement Order from the High Court of Justice, Oyo State, affirming his right to protection from unlawful interference, he continues to face threats and intimidation, allegedly backed by high-ranking police officials.
In a suit filed by Yusuf Ogunrinde, SAN, under Suit No. M/487/2025, Dr. Olukunle seeks judicial redress against Mr. Alao and others involved, accusing them of persistent defiance of court orders. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, the plaintiff claims that armed thugs linked to Mr. Alao have continued to attack his property in the Aleshinloye–Jericho axis, causing massive damage and creating a climate of fear.
In his sworn affidavit, Dr. Olukunle recounts being unlawfully detained by the police on May 21, 2025, following a petition reportedly filed by the respondent. He claims he was held for nearly seven hours—from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM—without being formally charged. During his detention, he was allegedly coerced into writing a statement agreeing to vacate the disputed land, an action he described as a blatant violation of his constitutional rights.
The situation escalated further when, according to Olukunle, his construction workers and site engineers were arrested on-site by the police. Their release was only secured after his direct intervention. He labeled the incident as a reckless misuse of police authority and an abuse of due process.
He was once again summoned on May 27, 2025, and detained for another three hours, during which he claims there was renewed pressure for him to relinquish ownership of the property.
In what appears to be a worsening security situation, Dr. Olukunle has reportedly gone into hiding, citing escalating threats to his life and liberty. His current location remains undisclosed, with close associates and family members expressing grave concern over his safety and wellbeing.
Of even greater concern is the claim that top police officials, including an Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Zone 11, Osogbo, and a certain SUPOL Bolaji Alao, are being used to perpetuate the campaign of harassment and intimidation against him. This alleged abuse of institutional power has drawn significant public attention and raised critical questions about the integrity and impartiality of police involvement in civil land disputes.
Dr. Olukunle is now seeking a perpetual injunction against Mr. Alao, the police, and all other parties involved in what he describes as a “malicious and unlawful attempt” to take over his land by force and intimidation. His petition calls for the immediate cessation of all forms of harassment, unlawful arrest, and property destruction.
He said, “The actions of the police and the sixth respondent amount to unlawful interference and harassment, infringing on my fundamental rights including personal liberty, dignity, fair hearing, freedom of movement, and ownership of property.”
This unfolding case sheds light on growing public concern over the increasing militarization of civil disputes, especially those involving land ownership. Legal experts and civil society groups have repeatedly warned against the misuse of law enforcement to settle personal or commercial scores, a sentiment now echoed by Olukunle’s legal team.
As the legal process continues, many will be watching to see how the courts respond to allegations that stretch beyond property rights—touching on abuse of power, threats to personal safety, and the very sanctity of constitutional protections.