The Lagos State Government has arraigned a man, Olusola Shedrach, before the High Court in Ikeja over an alleged forceful takeover and destruction of land belonging to Harvesters Church, located along the busy Gbagada–Oworonshoki Expressway.

Shedrach is facing a three-count charge bordering on forceful takeover of property, wilful damage and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace. The charges were filed by the state and assigned to Justice Hakeem Oshodi.

At the proceedings, state prosecutor Olufunmilayo Aluko informed the court that the government was ready to proceed and asked that the charge be read to the defendant so he could enter his plea. Justice Oshodi granted the request, and the counts were read in open court.

The prosecution alleged that Shedrach unlawfully moved onto the church’s land, took control of it without lawful authority and damaged structures and items on the premises. He was further accused of behaving in a manner capable of provoking public disturbance around the property.

According to the charge, the alleged conduct contravenes Section 2(1) of the Lagos State Properties Protection Law, 2016, which targets land-grabbing and forceful occupation, as well as Section 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, relating to wilful damage to property. The state also cited Section 168(d) of the same Criminal Law, which criminalises acts likely to cause a breach of the peace.

When the charges were read, Shedrach pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following his plea, defence counsel O. Odueso requested a short adjournment to enable the defence team to file and argue a formal bail application on behalf of the defendant. The prosecutor did not oppose the request.

In a brief ruling, Justice Oshodi granted the application for an adjournment. He directed the defence to file its bail motion and fixed a date for the hearing of that application. The judge also set a separate date for the commencement of trial, signalling that the court intends to proceed with the case once preliminary issues are resolved.

The matter is expected to test the enforcement of Lagos State’s anti-land-grabbing law, which was enacted to curb the activities of land speculators and protect property owners, including religious organisations, from unlawful encroachment.