Delta: Two Arraigned in Warri Over Extortion as Oborevwori Reiterates Ban on Levies from Property Developers

At least two middle aged men have gotten a taste of the consequences of alleged unlawful demand for payment of development fee popularly known as “deve” from a property developer, in Delta state as a Magistrate Court in Warri, on Monday arraigned them for prosecution.

The suspects, Irikefe Ajueyitsi and Abubakar Nasiru, 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 by the police following a petition by one Pastor Fred Aghedo.

The development is coming as Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, reaffirmed the state government’s ban on the illegal collection of levies from developers, warning that anyone found engaging in such activities will face strict consequences.

Prosecuting Counsel from the Uvwie Area Command of the Nigerian Police Force, ASP Dicko Wakama, 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 Pastor Aghedo 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.

ASP 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.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. In her ruling, Chief Magistrate Sowho granted bail to the accused persons and adjourned the case to May 20, 2026, for hearing.

Narrating his ordeal, Pastor 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 the incident prompted him to file a petition with the police.

The arraignment comes amid a renewed crackdown on illegal levies in Delta State, following the state government’s directive that anyone cought demanding “deve” from property developers should be arrested and prosecuted.

Meanwhile, Governor Oborevwori, on Tuesday during an inspection visit to the Warri Stadium project, stressed that his administration would not tolerate any act capable of disrupting government, company or personal projects across the state.

Oborevwori declared that any form of unauthorized levy imposed on contractors or developers was “dead on arrival,” noting that such practices hinder development and discourage investors.

The governor commended the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Hon. Weyinmi Agbatayeniro, for his efforts in maintaining peace and fostering development in the area.

He noted that collaboration between state and local authorities has been instrumental in ensuring a conducive environment for ongoing projects.

Speaking further, Oborevwori highlighted his administration’s commitment to job creation through infrastructure development.

He explained that ongoing projects across the state are engaging local labor and boosting economic activities, as artisans, suppliers, and traders benefit from the execution of government contracts.

He also disclosed that the state government has introduced a special allowance for medical doctors aimed at improving healthcare delivery and motivating health workers.

According to him, the initiative, which includes additional financial incentives, underscores the administration’s commitment to supporting critical sectors.

The governor reiterated that most of the jobs generated through state projects are being handled by local workers, dismissing the notion that foreign expertise dominates project execution.

He cited ongoing developments across the state as evidence that local capacity is being strengthened.

Oborevwori expressed satisfaction with the positive reception of government projects by residents, stating that the happiness and support of the people serve as motivation for his administration to do more.

He assured Deltans that the government would continue to prioritize policies and actions that promote economic growth, peace, and sustainable development across the state.