Residents of Snake Island — officially designated as Paradise Garden in the Lagos State Government Layout Survey — in Anthony Village, Lagos, have raised alarm over persistent extortion, intimidation and harassment allegedly carried out by miscreants operating under the protection of some community leaders.
The allegations were contained in a report by community advocate, Ganiyu Olamiji Oyebanjo (GOCO), who visited the area on Friday. Oyebanjo said residents have been subjected to a series of unlawful levies imposed by individuals who insist the land belongs to their forefathers.
According to his findings, residents are compelled to pay between ₦200,000 and ₦500,000 to secure a small space to erect plank houses. In addition, residents must pay a mandatory ₦500 monthly “security fee.” Those who refuse to comply are allegedly met with verbal abuse, threats, physical intimidation and, in some cases, eviction.
Oyebanjo narrated a troubling incident he witnessed on November 6, 2025, during which the home of a female resident was reportedly padlocked and nailed shut on the orders of one Taiye Osho, who claimed ownership of the land based on ancestral rights.
Concerned by the development, Oyebanjo returned to the community with the official Layout Survey, sensitising residents and informing them that the land is owned by the Lagos State Government and not by any family or group. He urged residents to resist unlawful levies and report acts of intimidation.
Residents say the sustained harassment has severely affected their emotional and mental well-being, leaving many traumatised. Some reportedly resorted to paying bribes to avoid further threats or forced eviction.
Oyebanjo called for urgent intervention from local and state authorities, as well as human rights organisations, to investigate the alleged roles of community leaders enabling the activities of the miscreants.
Residents are demanding justice, security, and an end to what they describe as years of exploitation that have disrupted life in the community.