Two young men have been arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Warri, Delta State, over the alleged unlawful demand for a development levy, commonly known as “deve”, from a property developer, Pastor Fred Aghedo.
The case comes amid a renewed crackdown by the Delta State Government on the illegal collection of levies from property developers. Authorities have reiterated that offenders will face arrest and prosecution as part of efforts to curb extortion and protect property rights in the state.
The suspects, Irikefe Ajueyitsi and Abubakar Nasiru, appeared before Chief Magistrate E. M. Sowho at Magistrate’s Court One, Warri, on a two-count charge of 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, told the court that the defendants, alongside others still at large, allegedly committed the offences on March 12, 2026, at 3rd Marine Quarter Road, Warri.
The prosecution said the accused unlawfully demanded payment of “deve” from Pastor Aghedo in connection with construction work on his property, contrary to Section 13(1) of the Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Law, 2018, and punishable under Section 13(2) of the same law.
Wakama further 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.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Chief Magistrate Sowho granted them bail and adjourned the case to May 20, 2026, for hearing.