Assessment of crime and offences associated with land administration: The case of Ogun State, Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

In Nigeria, land has become a sensitive matter that threatens the security of the nation. People have acquired land illicitly by forgery, forced eviction, land grabbing, among others criminalities perpetrated by individuals, groups of individuals, cooperate organizations, and public agencies. This study examines patterns of land associated crimes in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun state, Nigeria. Data was collected from 334 respondents in the study area using simple random sampling and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages and likert scale rating. Findings show that all the land associated crimes were above average in the study area with land fraud and exploitation (CRI = 3.25/5.00) as the most common: majority of respondents (38%) had been victims of this particular crime. The major cause of land associated offences was land grabbing (20%) while the key perpetrators were “omo-onile” (25%), land cartels (18%), and self-centered community, elites and political leaders (18%). Among others, findings indicate loss of livelihoods, and increased poverty and hunger (SRI = 3.63/5.00) as the most significant consequence of these offences. The study concluded that land associated crimes have become a widespread occurrence in the study area with far-reaching socio-economic, environmental and political significance. Policy and future research implications are discussed.