The Delta State Taskforce on ground rent has arrested 3,200 defaulters with false claims, including documents indicating they have paid for three years.
The taskforce chairman, Mr. Moses Ojor who confirmed the arrest of the defaulters to DAILY POST said, “Since the commencement of our job, we discovered false claims by property owners including fake documents claiming they have paid.
“The 3,200 figures are the deviants, and the enforcement of ground rent payment started March 13, 2018, proofs of payment tendered by many of the defaulters were found to be fake”.
Noting that there was attempt by many property owners in the state to falsify documents and claims for payment, Mr. Ojor explained that the taskforce embarked on full enforcement in line with the mandate from the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to ensure that all defaulters were brought to book.
He added that the arrested defaulters were handed over to the police for further prosecution.
He said; “After series of warnings, and moral suasion, and concessions which have failed, we will enforce the law on the defaulters.”
He disclosed that the state government’s concession include substantial reductions of number of years owed by the defaulters.
The taskforce chairman added that; “We accordingly commenced enforcement in the state capital in Asaba on Monday, March 13, 2018 and it led to the arrest of number of defaulters, including sealing off their business centres, and we confiscated their properties; in the process, we discovered bogus and fake claims.”
While enjoining all defaulting property owners to do the needful, and pay up on all outstanding bills, Mr. Ojor said that the taskforce will extend its operations to Warri, Kwale and other major cities and towns next week, warning that any defaulter caught with fake documents or claims would be severely dealt with.
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