Edo Govt Recovers Over 500 Public Assets From Illegal Occupants In Massive Crackdown

The Chairman of the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee, Eugene Okoloise, has announced that the state government has successfully recovered more than 500 public properties unlawfully held by private individuals since he assumed office.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Okoloise made the disclosure on Wednesday, November 5, in Benin City, while addressing journalists on the newly enacted Edo State Public Property Protection Law 2025, recently signed by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The new legislation formally establishes the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee as a statutory body mandated to oversee, safeguard, and reclaim all assets belonging to the state.

Under the law, offenders convicted of illegally occupying or forcibly seizing government-owned properties face up to 10 years imprisonment.

“Before now, we didn’t have a legal framework to prosecute offenders,” Okoloise explained. “But with this law now in effect, there will be no excuses. Anyone caught will face prosecution in accordance with its provisions.”

He further revealed that the state government had established a special court to handle cases involving the illegal sale or occupation of government lands and buildings.

“To this effect, a special court has been set up to prosecute offenders. As I speak, 500 properties belonging to the Edo State Government have already been recovered,” he stated.

Okoloise stressed that the new law applies equally to everyone, regardless of social or political standing.

“No one will be spared,” he warned. “Anyone found guilty will be prosecuted, no matter how highly placed. There will be no preferential treatment.”

He added that the committee had launched a public sensitisation campaign across communities and media platforms to raise awareness about the new law.

“We are taking enlightenment to both urban and rural areas to educate people about the consequences of encroaching on government property,” he said. “Part of this campaign includes visiting media houses to spread the message.”

Governor Monday Okpebholo signed the Public Property Protection Law earlier in the week as part of his administration’s drive to tackle illegal land grabbing and the misuse of state assets.

Officials say the law is aimed at restoring order, ensuring accountability, and promoting respect for public property across Edo State.

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