Two Arraigned in Warri Over Alleged Illegal ‘Deve’ Demand
Two men have been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Warri, Delta State, over the alleged unlawful demand of a development levy, popularly known as “deve,” from a property developer.
The defendants, Irikefe Ajueyitsi and Abubakar Nasiru, were on Monday, April 13, brought before Chief Magistrate E. M. Sowho at Magistrate Court One, Warri, on a two-count charge of illegal demand and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
Prosecuting counsel, ASP Dicko Wakama of the Uvwie Area Command, Nigerian Police Force, told the court that the accused persons, alongside others still at large, allegedly committed the offence on March 12, 2026, at 3rd Marine Quarter Road, Warri.
According to the prosecution, the defendants demanded “deve” from a property developer, Pastor Fred Aghedo, in connection with construction activities on his property.
The prosecution stated that the alleged offence 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.
Wakama further alleged that the defendants engaged in conduct likely to cause a breach of peace by creating a nuisance at the property, an offence punishable under Section 249(d) of the Criminal Code, Cap C21, Volume 1, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In her ruling, Chief Magistrate Sowho granted the accused persons bail and adjourned the case to May 20, 2026, for hearing.
Testifying before the court, Pastor Aghedo alleged that the defendants and others obstructed him and a tractor hired for land development, insisting that work could not proceed unless the “deve” was paid.
He said the incident prompted him to petition the police.
The arraignment comes amid renewed efforts by the Delta State Government to curb illegal levies, with authorities warning that anyone caught demanding “deve” from property developers
