WARRI/Nigeria: In a move reflecting Delta State’s intensifying clampdown on illegal development levies, two young men have been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Warri for allegedly demanding “deve” from a property developer, an act authorities say undermines public order and lawful investment.
The defendants, Mr. Irikefe Ajueyitsi and Mr. Abubakar Nasiru, were on Monday, April 13, docked before Chief Magistrate E. M. Sowho at Magistrate Court One, Warri, on a two-count charge bordering on unlawful demand for payment and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
Prosecuting Counsel from the Uvwie Area Command of the Nigerian Police Force, ASP Dicko Wakama, told the court that the accused persons, alongside others still at large, allegedly committed the offence on March 12, 2026, at 3rd Marine Quarter Road, Warri.
He said the defendants unlawfully demanded a development fee, popularly referred to as “deve,” from the complainant, Pastor Fred Aghedo, in connection with construction activities on his property.
According to the prosecution, the action contravenes Section 13(1) of the Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Law, 2018, and is punishable under Section 13(2) of the same law.
ASP Wakama further informed the court that the accused persons engaged in acts capable of causing a breach of peace by creating nuisance at the construction site, an offence punishable under Section 249(d) of the Criminal Code, Cap C21, Volume 1, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Ruling on their bail application, Chief Magistrate Sowho granted bail to the accused persons and adjourned the case to May 20, 2026, for hearing.
Narrating his ordeal, Pastor Aghedo told the court that the suspects, alongside others at large, allegedly obstructed him and a tractor he had hired for land development, insisting that work could not continue unless he paid the demanded levy.
He said the development forced him to petition the police, leading to the arrest and subsequent arraignment of the suspects.
The arraignment comes amid renewed enforcement of the state government’s directive against illegal levies, with authorities warning that anyone caught demanding “deve” from property developers will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
