The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, Lagos, has restated that dispute over land ownership are civil matters that should be resolved in court and not handled by the police.
The clarification comes amid growing complaints by property owners and residents in Lagos over alleged police involvement in land disputes, a situation many say has worsened tensions and delayed justice.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday, the FCID spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Aminat Mayegun, explained that the police have no legal authority to determine who owns land.
According to her, land ownership issues fall strictly under civil law and are within the jurisdiction of the courts.
“The police are duty-bound to intervene and investigate only when land-related disputes give rise to criminal offences, as they have no mandate to determine ownership of land,” Mayegun said.
She stressed that the role of the police is limited to addressing criminal acts that may arise during land disputes, not deciding ownership or enforcing civil claims.
In recent months, residents in different parts of Lagos have raised concerns about alleged police interference in land matters, despite repeated official directives stating that such disputes are civil in nature.
Some property owners have accused law enforcement operatives of being used by powerful individuals to intimidate opponents in land disputes.
Others claim that police involvement has sometimes escalated tensions, leading to harassment, arrests and threats, rather than peaceful resolution through the courts.
There have also been allegations that some officers side with influential parties, leaving ordinary citizens feeling helpless and losing confidence in the justice system.
ASP Mayegun said such practices are not in line with the law or police regulations.
She explained that matters such as land ownership, boundary disputes, family land disagreements and conflicting claims over property must be resolved through proper legal processes.
“These issues are governed by civil law and should be settled by the courts,” she said.
“The police do not have the authority to declare who owns any parcel of land.”
However, the FCID spokesperson noted that police intervention becomes necessary when criminal offences are committed in the course of a land dispute.
She listed offences such as fraud, obtaining money by false pretence, malicious damage to property, arson, assault, threat to life and other crimes recognised under the Criminal Code Act.
According to her, anyone who commits such acts under the excuse of claiming land rights will be investigated and prosecuted.
“If criminal acts occur during a land dispute, the police are obligated to step in,” she said.
“But that intervention is only to address the criminal conduct, not to decide ownership.”
Mayegun warned individuals and groups against using violence, fraud or destruction of property to assert land claims.
She said the police would not hesitate to take action against anyone who breaks the law, regardless of their status.
Land disputes are a major challenge in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, especially in fast-growing urban areas where land has become very valuable.
Rapid population growth, urban development and unclear land documentation have contributed to frequent conflicts over ownership.
In Lagos, disputes often involve families, communities, land grabbers, developers and government agencies.
Many cases are linked to multiple sales of the same land, unclear inheritance arrangements or fake documents.
Land grabbing, locally known as “Omo Onile” activities, has also been a major problem, with groups demanding illegal payments or using force to take over properties.
Successive state governments have tried to address the issue through legislation and enforcement, but disputes remain common.
Legal experts say the proper way to resolve land disputes is through the courts, where evidence such as title documents, surveys and witness testimony can be examined.
They warn that involving the police in civil matters often complicates cases and can lead to abuse of power.
ASP Mayegun also cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands.
She urged aggrieved parties to remain calm and seek redress through established legal channels rather than resorting to self-help.
“Taking laws into your hands will only make matters worse,” she said.
“The right step is to go to court and allow the law to take its course.”
The FCID spokesperson assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to professionalism and respect for the rule of law.
She said the police would continue to operate within their constitutional mandate and would not support illegal actions in land disputes.
Mayegun also encouraged citizens who experience improper police interference in land matters to report such cases.
She advised them to use the Police Complaints Response Unit (PCRU), a platform set up to receive and address complaints against police officers.
According to her, reports can be made through phone lines, online platforms or by visiting police offices.
She assured the public that complaints would be investigated and appropriate action taken where misconduct is established.
The FCID’s statement is seen as an attempt to restore public confidence and clarify the limits of police involvement in civil disputes.
Civil society groups have welcomed the clarification, saying it is important for both citizens and law enforcement officers to understand their roles.
They argue that respecting the separation between civil and criminal matters is key to reducing abuse and ensuring justice.
For many Lagos residents, land represents their life savings and future security.
As such, disputes often generate strong emotions and sometimes lead to violence.
As land values continue to rise, the pressure on the legal system is expected to increase.
The FCID’s message serves as a reminder that while the police play a vital role in maintaining law and order, land ownership disputes must be settled by the courts.
For property owners and residents, the advice remains clear: document land transactions properly, avoid confrontation and seek legal solutions when disputes arise.
With the right approach, authorities say many of the conflicts that plague communities can be resolved peacefully and lawfully.