WARRI: Two young men have been arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Warri, Delta State, over allegations of unlawfully demanding a development levy, popularly known as “deve”, from a property developer in the state.
The case is part of an ongoing crackdown by the Delta State Government on illegal levy collections from property owners, particularly in fast-developing urban areas such as Warri and its environs.
Authorities say the enforcement drive is aimed at curbing extortion, protecting investors, and restoring order in the real estate and construction sector.
The accused, identified as Irikefe Ajueyitsi and Abubakar Nasiru, were arraigned before Chief Magistrate E. M. Sowho at Magistrate Court One in Warri.
They are facing a two-count charge bordering on illegal demand for payment and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges
According to prosecuting counsel, ASP Dicko Wakama of the Uvwie Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, the alleged offences occurred on March 12, 2026, at 3rd Marine Quarter Road, Warri.
The prosecution told the court that the defendants, alongside others currently at large, unlawfully demanded payment of “deve” from a property developer, Pastor Fred Aghedo, in connection with ongoing construction work on his property.
The act, prosecutors argued, violates provisions of the Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Law, 2018, specifically Section 13(1), which prohibits unlawful interference with property development activities.
The offence is punishable under Section 13(2) of the same law.
In addition to the illegal levy demand, the prosecution further alleged that the defendants engaged in conduct capable of disrupting public peace.
According to the police, the accused allegedly created a disturbance at the construction site, causing tension and interrupting work activity.
The conduct is said to contravene Section 249(d) of the Criminal Code Law of Delta State, which addresses acts likely to cause a breach of peace.
After hearing the charges, Chief Magistrate Sowho granted bail to the defendants under specified conditions.
The case was subsequently adjourned to May 20, 2026, for further hearing.
The defendants will remain on bail pending the continuation of trial proceedings.
The case highlights renewed efforts by the Delta State Government to clamp down on the illegal collection of development levies from property developers, a practice that has long raised concerns among residents and investors.
In recent months, authorities have intensified enforcement operations, warning that individuals or groups engaging in unauthorized levies risk arrest and prosecution.
Officials say such practices discourage investment, slow down construction projects, and contribute to rising disputes in urban communities.
Industry observers say the continued enforcement actions signal a broader attempt by the state to sanitize the property development environment.
Illegal “deve” collection has been identified as one of the informal practices affecting real estate development in parts of southern Nigeria, often leading to conflicts between developers and local actors.
Legal experts note that consistent prosecution of offenders may help strengthen investor confidence and reduce tensions in rapidly expanding urban corridors like Warri.
As the case proceeds, attention will focus on how the court interprets the allegations and the broader implications for enforcement of property protection laws in Delta State.
For now, the arraignment underscores the government’s firm stance against unauthorized levies and its commitment to ensuring a more secure and predictable environment for property development.
