An Abuja-based real estate developer, Mr Sally Biose, has formally asked the Police Service Commission (PSC) to investigate what he describes as unlawful arrest, harassment, and repeated police interference in a land dispute that is currently being handled by several courts.
In a petition dated February 16, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of the PSC, retired Deputy Inspector General Hashimu Salihu Argungu, Mr Biose accused officers of the Nigeria Police Force—particularly those attached to the IGP Monitoring Unit in Abuja—of overstepping their authority and violating his constitutional rights.
According to the petition, Mr Biose was arrested in Asaba, Delta State, on February 15, 2026, even though he was not listed as a defendant in any criminal charge related to the disputed property. His legal team argued that the arrest was unjustified and carried out despite several ongoing court cases concerning the same land.
His lawyers further stated that the arrest ignored established police guidelines, which discourage officers from interfering in civil land matters that are already before the courts. They described the action as intimidation and an attempt to influence a dispute that should be resolved strictly through judicial processes.
The dispute reportedly involves Bonatec Nigeria Limited and former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha. Multiple cases connected to the land are currently pending before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Courts and the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
The petition also referenced an earlier incident on October 14, 2024, when police officers allegedly supervised the demolition of Mr Biose’s property. His lawyers claimed that the demolition was carried out without proper authorisation from either the Development Control Department or the enforcement unit of the FCT High Court. They added that both agencies later denied approving or carrying out the demolition.
Despite several suits and appeals already before the courts, the petition alleged that police officers have continued to summon, arrest, and question individuals linked to the dispute—including persons who are not parties to any criminal charge.
Mr Biose has also filed a separate fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Nigeria Police Force at the FCT High Court, challenging what he describes as unlawful detention and harassment. That case remains pending.
The petition raised concerns about the legal principle of lis pendens, which prevents interference in matters that are already being decided by a court of law. According to his legal team, continued police involvement could undermine judicial authority and due process.
The document further accused senior officers, including a serving Commissioner of Police, of ignoring previous directives from the Police Service Commission instructing them to suspend investigations and avoid involvement in the land dispute until the courts reach a decision.
Mr Biose’s lawyers urged the PSC to take immediate disciplinary action against any officers found to have acted improperly. They warned that ongoing police intervention in civil disputes could damage public trust in law enforcement institutions.
As of the time this report was filed, neither the Police Service Commission nor the Nigeria Police Force had released an official statement responding to the allegations.
