Benin, Edo - The Edo State Private Properties Protection Committee headed by Hon.Justice Alero Edodo-Eruaga (Retd) has tasked parties in land disputes to ensure their vendors and witnesses are duly put on notice on hearings, and that they should work closely with the Investigative Police Teams in ensuring they appeared for hearing.

The Committee stated that this will fast track hearing of cases and resolution of disputes.

Speaking at Thursday's hearing, Hon. Justice Alero Edodo-Eruaga (Retd) Chairman of Committee, implored on parties to help the committee to treat their cases with the express importance they deserved by bringing forward all relevant documents in the prosecution of their cases.

Total 35 cases were heard, including 8 fresh commencements. Two cases were struck out due to the inability of Petitioners to prosecute their cases while two others were closed based on settlements and resolutions.

Among cases closed by reason of settlement was the case between Saint Jobs Alimele Okazunwuegun and Ali Stephen.

Based on an agreement reached earlier on April 2, 2024, an initial deposit of the sum of #500,000 was to be paid to the Petitioner out of the total sum of #2.49m, while a monthly payment of#100,000 was resolved to be paid to offset the balance.

Police Investigative Team in charge of the matter reported to the Committee that the agreed sum of #500,000 has since been paid while the monthly payment was to commence in October.

The Committee also struck out the case of Chief Fred Oriakhi Vs Emokpai Henry for lack of diligent prosecution. The Respondent had failed, since February 13, to prosecute his case by not facilitating the forensic investigation on signatures he claimed was forged on documents tendered.

Police also reported that there were failed attempts to arrest one Imade Osagie, and some other Respondents who did not honour Police invitation and assured the Committee to revisit the matter.

Sitting continues in Government House, Benin City.