Lagos, October 24, 2025 — The Lagos State Magistrate Court No. 9, sitting in the Yaba Magisterial District and holding at Elefo, Ebute Metta, has ordered the remand of four persons in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged criminal activities linked to land grabbing in Ginti, Ikorodu.
Those remanded include Tola Balogun, popularly known as 50 Cents; Tunde Oladipupo Ajayi, who reportedly presented himself as the Baale of Ginti; Ridwan Rasaq; and Abimbola Aro. They were arraigned before the court in Suit No: MISC/MY/31/2024.
The defendants are alleged to have engaged in acts bordering on forcible entry into Ginti land, attempted murder, armed robbery, threat to public peace through the display of firearms and offensive weapons, and willful destruction of property.
According to legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which was read before the court, the matter is to be withdrawn from the magistrate court and re-filed before the Lagos State High Court for proper arraignment. The case has been adjourned to a later date to allow the state to file the necessary charges and supporting information.
It was also noted that, should the allegations relating to armed robbery be substantiated, the applicable penalties would be determined in line with the provisions of Nigerian law.
In a related development, Mr. Nofiu Kasumu, also known as Adele of Oke Eletu, is currently standing trial before the Ikeja High Court on charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, forcible entry into Ginti land, and malicious damage to property. The cases, filed under Suit Nos: ID/206766/2022 and ID/24003C/2024, are before Justice Oshodi.
Similarly, Mr. Saheed Abiodun Nofiu, said to be a relative of the aforementioned Adele of Oke Eletu, is facing trial in Suit No: L/17/2023 before the Lagos Magistrate Court, Tinubu. He is being prosecuted for alleged forcible entry into Ginti land, possession of a locally made single-barrel firearm, and use of dangerous weapons to intimidate members of the Ogidi family.
When contacted, representatives of the Banjoko Ogidi family of Ginti Town, identified as complainants in the related cases, confirmed awareness of the ongoing proceedings. They expressed confidence in the judicial process, stating that justice, though sometimes delayed, remains inevitable.
“No one can evade justice forever. Once a criminal act is committed, the law will eventually take its course,” a family spokesperson said.
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