Grab Govt Land, Go to Jail for 10 Years — Okpebholo Signs New Edo Property Law

• Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has signed into law the Edo State Public Property Protection Bill, 2025, prescribing a 10-year prison term for anyone who violently or forcefully takes over state-owned property.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has signed into law a new bill prescribing a 10-year jail term for anyone who violently or forcefully takes possession of state-owned property.

The law, known as the Edo State Public Property Protection Law 2025, also stipulates a five-year imprisonment for individuals who engage in the unauthorized sale or transfer of government property without the governor’s approval.

In a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Tuesday in Benin City, the government said the new legislation demonstrates the administration’s commitment to fighting corruption, impunity, and the illegal conversion of public assets.

“The law establishes the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee, a statutory body mandated to oversee, safeguard, and recover all public properties belonging to the state,” the statement read.

The committee is empowered to prevent unauthorized occupation, vandalism, encroachment, alienation, or destruction of public assets, as well as identify, inspect, seal, and recover encroached government properties. It is also authorized to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and initiate legal action through the Ministry of Justice against offenders.

Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed that all public assets belong to the people of Edo State and not to individuals seeking personal enrichment.

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“This law ensures that no one, no matter how highly placed, can appropriate public property for personal gain,” he said.

Under the new law, violent or forceful entry into state-owned property now carries up to 10 years’ imprisonment, while unauthorized sales or transfers attract five years behind bars.

Additionally, professionals such as surveyors, lawyers, or estate agents found aiding illegal land transactions will face prosecution and potential disciplinary action by their professional regulatory bodies.

The statement further warned that false petitions or fraudulent claims related to government lands would attract severe sanctions, designed to deter abuse of process and protect Edo’s public assets from exploitation.