Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has signed into law a bill prescribing a 10-year jail term for anyone who violently or forcefully gains entry into state-owned property.

The governor also assented to another provision stipulating a five-year imprisonment for individuals involved in the unauthorized sale or transfer of government property without the governor’s consent.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, and made available to journalists on Tuesday in Benin.

Itua said the new legislation underscores the administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, impunity, and the misuse of public assets.

“The Edo State Public Property Protection Law, 2025, establishes the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee, a statutory body mandated to oversee, safeguard, and recover all public properties belonging to the state,” the statement read.

“The law empowers the committee to prevent unauthorized occupation, vandalism, encroachment, alienation, or destruction of public assets.”

The committee, he added, is empowered to identify, inspect, seal, and recover encroached public properties; investigate disputes; and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure strict compliance.

It may also initiate legal actions through the Ministry of Justice against any individual or organization found in violation of the law.

Okpebholo reaffirmed that public assets belong to the people of Edo State, not private individuals.

“This law ensures that no one, no matter how highly placed, can appropriate public property for personal gain,” he said.

Under the new law, unauthorized sale or transfer of government property without the governor’s consent attracts a five-year prison term, while violent or forceful entry into state-owned property could result in up to 10 years’ imprisonment, depending on the gravity of the offence

It stipulated that professionals who aid or abet illegal land transactions involving state property will also face sanctions, including prosecution and possible referral to their professional regulatory bodies for disciplinary action.

The statement further warned that false petitions or fraudulent claims relating to government lands will attract severe penalties aimed at deterring abuse of process. (Channels TV)