Two Men Arraigned in Delta Over Illegal Demand for Development Levy
Two young men have been arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Warri, Delta State, for allegedly demanding an illegal development levy, commonly referred to as “deve”, from a property developer, Pastor Fred Aghedo. This case emerges as part of a renewed crackdown by the Delta State Government targeting the unlawful collection of levies from property developers, with authorities vowing to arrest and prosecute offenders to curb extortion and safeguard property rights across the state.
Charges and Court Proceedings
The suspects, identified as Irikefe Ajueyitsi and Abubakar Nasiru, appeared before Chief Magistrate E. M. Sowho at Magistrate’s Court One in Warri. They faced a two-count charge, including illegal demand and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. Prosecuting counsel from the Uvwie Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, ASP Dicko Wakama, informed the court that the defendants, along with others still at large, allegedly committed these offences on March 12, 2026, at 3rd Marine Quarter Road in Warri.
According to the prosecution, the accused unlawfully demanded payment of the “deve” levy from Pastor Aghedo in connection with construction work on his property. This action is said to violate Section 13(1) of the Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Law, 2018, and is punishable under Section 13(2) of the same legislation. Additionally, Wakama alleged that the defendants engaged in conduct likely to breach public peace by creating a 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.
Legal Outcome and Future Steps
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. In response, Chief Magistrate Sowho granted them bail and adjourned the case to May 20, 2026, for further hearing. This legal action underscores the state government’s commitment to enforcing laws against extortion and protecting the rights of property developers, as part of broader efforts to maintain order and security in Delta State.
