NHRC PROBES ALLEGED RIGHTS VIOLATIONS OVER LAGOS ESTATE DEMOLITION
Read Time:2 Minute, 51 Second
By: Fasasi Hammad
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched an investigation into allegations of human rights violations arising from the demolition of properties at Blue Roof Estate in the Surulere Community, Alagbado area of Lagos State.
The probe follows a petition submitted on May 5 by Mr. Akeem Aponmade on behalf of affected residents. The petition was registered by the commission as Case No. C/2026/CPR/1492/HQ.
In its acknowledgment letter, the NHRC confirmed receipt of the petition and assured the complainants that the allegations would be thoroughly investigated in line with its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
According to Aponmade, residents alleged that between January 27 and February 26, more than 200 armed hoodlums invaded the estate.
The lawyer claimed the invasion was allegedly carried out on behalf of Ademola Akerele and Bolu Fakile, and was purportedly backed by the Chairman of Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, Abiodun Ejigbadero.
He further alleged that the individuals involved claimed they were enforcing a court order on behalf of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
However, according to the petition, the FHA later issued a public disclaimer distancing itself from the operation, contradicting claims made during the demolition exercise.
The residents alleged that they were subjected to harassment, intimidation and the unlawful destruction of homes, fences and other structures, resulting in the displacement of several families and disruption of their means of livelihood.
The petition also claimed that one resident died during the crisis and that some property owners were allegedly coerced into paying as much as N5 million into a private account and signing undertakings to make additional payments of N20 million, with threats of losing their properties if they failed to comply.
Aponmade argued that the alleged actions amounted to violations of several constitutional rights, including the right to life, dignity of the human person, property ownership and protection against unlawful acquisition of property without due process.
He further stated that following complaints by the FHA, some principal suspects were declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force Zone 2 Command.
Despite this, he alleged that no significant efforts were made to arrest or prosecute the suspects, raising concerns among residents about delays in the investigation.
The petition also claimed that demolition activities continued despite the police declaration and restraining orders reportedly issued by Justice D.T. Olatokun of the Lagos State High Court.
According to the lawyer, the operations were carried out in the presence of officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Government Task Force, who were reportedly on the scene with operational vehicles.
He said the matter later returned to court, where a fresh order was issued directing the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to withdraw from the community, after which the demolition exercise reportedly ceased.
Among the demands presented to the NHRC, the residents called for an independent investigation into the invasion, destruction of property, alleged intimidation and loss of life.
They also urged the commission to ensure justice for the deceased resident, facilitate the prosecution of all those responsible and investigate the conduct of security personnel present during the incident to determine whether there was any complicity or negligence.
Supporting documents submitted alongside the petition include the FHA’s disclaimer, records of police investigations and declarations, alleged proof of illegal payments and bank transactions, as well as photographs showing the extent of the destruction.
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