Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Two men, Irikefe Ajueyitsi and Abubakar Nasiru, have been arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, over allegations of unlawfully demanding a local levy known as “deve” from a property developer in what authorities describe as an attempt to extort money and disrupt public order.
The defendants were brought before Chief Magistrate E. M. Sowho on April 13, 2026, following their arrest over an incident linked to a property development site along 3rd Marine Quarter Road in Warri. They are accused of demanding payment from Pastor Fred Aghedo, a property developer, under circumstances prosecutors say amounted to coercion and unlawful interference with construction activities.
According to the prosecution led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Dicko Wakama, the defendants and others currently at large allegedly demanded the payment of the levy on March 12, 2026, at the project site. The prosecution told the court that the actions of the accused not only constituted an illegal financial demand but also resulted in a breach of peace in the area.
Authorities further alleged that the incident violated provisions of the Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Law of 2018 as well as sections of the Criminal Code dealing with conduct likely to cause public disturbance and unlawful interference with property rights.
The case highlights ongoing tensions in parts of Delta State over the controversial practice of “deve,” a term commonly used in some communities to describe informal or unauthorized levies imposed on developers or property owners, often under the guise of community development contributions. While some groups have historically defended such payments as community entitlements, authorities have increasingly moved to curb the practice where it is imposed without legal backing or formal authorization.
Court records indicate that both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in open court. Their legal representatives argued for bail, stating that the accused persons were ready to face trial and would not interfere with investigations or witnesses.
The magistrate granted the defendants bail under conditions not fully disclosed in court records but consistent with standard judicial practice in similar cases. The matter was subsequently adjourned to May 20, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
The prosecution informed the court that investigations are ongoing and that efforts are underway to apprehend other individuals allegedly connected to the incident who are currently at large. Law enforcement officials did not rule out the possibility of further arrests as the case develops.
The incident has drawn attention to recurring disputes between developers and local actors in parts of the Niger Delta, where rapid urban expansion and land development have sometimes led to overlapping claims of authority, revenue demands, and community expectations. In some cases, developers have complained of multiple or unofficial charges imposed by groups without legal mandate, while community members have argued that such levies support local infrastructure and youth engagement.
The Delta State government has in recent years emphasized the enforcement of laws regulating property development and community relations, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas like Warri. Officials have warned that unauthorized levies and extortion under any guise will not be tolerated, especially where they interfere with economic activity or public order.
Legal analysts note that cases such as this often test the boundary between customary practices and statutory law, particularly in areas where informal systems of community contributions have historically existed alongside formal governance structures. However, they also stress that once such practices conflict with established laws, statutory provisions take precedence.
As proceedings continue, the court is expected to examine evidence presented by the prosecution, including witness statements and any material recovered during investigations. The defendants remain on bail pending further hearing.
The case is one of several recent legal actions in Delta State aimed at addressing extortion, unlawful levies, and disruptions linked to property development activities, as authorities seek to enforce compliance with land use and public order regulations.
For now, the court has maintained its schedule for May 20, when the matter will return for further hearing and possible continuation of witness testimonies.
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