Bariga Demolition: Residents Ask IGP, Sanwo-Olu to Probe Alleged Police, LASBCA Involvement
By Taiwo Olapade
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has been called upon to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged involvement of some police officers in the recent demolition of buildings on Popoola Street, Lady-Lak, Bariga area of Lagos State.
The affected residents, numbering over 100, also appealed to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to beam a searchlight on the activities of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), under the leadership of Architect Gbolahan Oki, over what they described as unjust and illegal actions.
The aggrieved residents made the demands during a media briefing to protest the demolition of four buildings located at numbers 19, 21, 23, and 25 Popoola Street, Lady-Lak, Bariga.
Speaking with journalists at the site of the demolished buildings on December 22, 2025, Abdulwaheed Ballo Olajide alleged that LASBCA operatives, aided by police officers, carried out the demolition. He claimed that three people were arrested, beaten by the police, and later released on bail of ₦150,000 each.
Another resident, Sulaiman Alli Awesu, who inherited one of the affected buildings from his late father, explained that LASBCA initially sealed the buildings on October 29, with disputes only concerning number 19, while others were directed to undergo integrity tests.
He noted that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Pedro Police Station was informed about the planned demolition, adding that residents were advised to attend a peace meeting among family members.
According to him, results from the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory certified buildings 21, 23, and 25 as structurally sound, except number 19. However, he alleged that the reports were ignored by LASBCA officials and the police.
Awesu lamented that many tenants lost valuables and cash during the demolition, as they were away at work, noting that some still had up to a year remaining on their rent at the time of the exercise.
Alhaji Jubril Bamidele Sumaila said he was informed while at his office that demolition had commenced on the building, despite the fact that his rent was valid until June 2026.
While demanding justice, Alhaji Sumaila challenged the Lagos State Government to clarify whether the demolition exercise was duly approved.
Mrs. Bolanle Akinlade alleged that residents were fired with tear gas while trying to salvage their belongings, accusing officials of looting during what she described as an illegal demolition. She stated that no notice was served on residents before the exercise was carried out.
Ismaila Omotosho, former driver to the late Funsho Williams, called on Nigerians to intervene in their plight, while Mrs. Lateefat Olowolagba, who is nursing a child with special needs, said drugs worth over ₦100,000 were destroyed during the demolition.
She further alleged that officials threatened to demolish their house if they refused to vacate, adding that their property was taken away and that they are now sleeping on the road.
In a separate interview, the Executive Director of the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak, said the organisation stands for the total emancipation of the oppressed in society.
He expressed concern particularly over buildings 23 and 25, alleging that it has become a trend in Lagos for developers to connive with LASBCA to forcefully take over people’s properties.
Comrade Isiak called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to urgently investigate the matter, stating that such developments have worsened the suffering of ordinary citizens. He also urged the National Human Rights Commission to intervene, stressing that affected families should be adequately compensated.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the General Manager of LASBCA, Architect Gbolahan Oki, proved abortive, despite repeated calls and WhatsApp messages, with relevant documents forwarded to him.
