Two arraigned in Warri for demanding levy from property developer

Two young men were on Monday arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Warri, Delta State, over unlawful demand for payment of development fee popularly known as “deve” from Fred Aghedo, a property developer.

The arraignment, followed renewed crackdown on illegal levies in the state, as the state government directed that anyone cought demanding “deve” from property developers should be arrested and prosecuted.

Irikefe Ajueyitsi (m) and Abubakar Nasiru (male), the two suspects were brought before Chief Magistrate E. M. Sowho at Magistrate Court One, Warri, on a two-count charge bordering on illegal demand and breach of peace.

Dicko Wakama, Assistant Superintendent of Police and Prosecuting Counsel from the Uvwie Area Command of the Nigerian Police, told the court that the accused persons, alongside others still at large, committed the offence on March 12, 2026, at 3rd Marine Quarter Road, Warri.

He alleged that the defendants demanded “deve” from Aghedo, a pastor, in relation to construction activities on his property.

According to the prosecution, the act 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.

Wakama further informed the court that the accused persons also engaged in conduct likely to cause a breach of peace by creating nuisance on the said property.

The offence, he noted, is 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. In her ruling, Sowho the chief magistrate, granted bail to the accused persons and adjourned the case to May 20, 2026, for hearing.

Aghedo told the court that the suspects and others allegedly stopped him and a tractor he had hired for land development at the site, insisting that work could not proceed unless he paid the demanded “deve.”

He said that the incident prompted him to file a petition with the Police.