NHRC probes alleged rights violations over Lagos estate demolition

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The National Human Rights Commission has commenced an investigation into allegations of gross human rights violations following the demolition of properties at Blue Roof Estate, Surulere Community, Alagbado, Lagos State.

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The investigation followed a petition filed by residents of the estate through their counsel, Mr Akeem Aponmade, alleging unlawful demolition, intimidation, extortion and loss of life during an operation carried out between January 27 and February 26, 2026.

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The petition, dated May 5, 2026, and registered by the commission as case No. C/2026/CPR/1492/HQ, was acknowledged by the NHRC, which assured the petitioners that the allegations would be investigated in line with its constitutional and statutory mandate.

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Speaking on the petition, Aponmade alleged that more than 200 armed hoodlums invaded the estate during the period under review.

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According to him, the invaders allegedly acted on behalf of Mr Ademola Akerele and Mr Bolu Fakile, with the operation purportedly backed by the Chairman of Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, Mr Abiodun Ejigbadero.

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He said the hoodlums claimed they were enforcing a court order on behalf of the Federal Housing Authority.

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“However, the FHA later published a disclaimer denying any involvement in the purported execution, thereby contradicting the claims made during the operation,” Aponmade said.

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He alleged that residents were subjected to harassment, intimidation and the unlawful demolition of homes, perimeter fences and other structures, leaving several families displaced and disrupting their means of livelihood.

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“The petition further stated that one resident lost her life during the crisis, while some residents were allegedly compelled under duress to pay as much as N5m into a private bank account and sign undertakings to make additional payments of N20m, failing which they were threatened with the complete loss of their properties,” he said.

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Aponmade argued that the alleged actions amounted to violations of several constitutional rights.

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“These acts constitute clear violations of constitutionally guaranteed rights, including the right to life, the right to dignity of the human person, the right to acquire and own property anywhere in Nigeria, and the right against compulsory acquisition of property without due process of law,” he said.

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He further disclosed that following complaints lodged by the FHA, some of the principal suspects were declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 Command.

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“In spite of the police declaration, there was no visible or sustained effort to arrest and prosecute the suspects, raising concerns among residents over delays in the investigative process,” he said.

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According to him, the demolition continued despite the police declaration and notwithstanding restraining orders issued by Justice D.T. Olatokun of the Lagos State High Court.

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Aponmade also alleged that officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Government Task Force were present during the demolition exercises.

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“The operations were carried out in the presence of officers of the Nigeria Police and the Lagos State Government Task Force, who were on the ground with operational vehicles,” he said.

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He added that the matter was later returned to court, where the judge directed the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to immediately withdraw their personnel from the community.

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“It was only after that order that the demolition activities ceased,” he added.

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The residents are asking the NHRC to conduct an independent investigation into the alleged invasion, destruction of property, intimidation and reported killing.

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They also urged the commission to ensure justice for the deceased victim, facilitate the prosecution of all those responsible, and investigate the conduct of security agencies that were present during the operation to determine whether there was any complicity or dereliction of duty.

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According to Aponmade, the petition was supported with documents, including the FHA’s publication disclaiming involvement in the demolition, police investigation records and wanted notices, bank records allegedly showing illegal payments, and photographs of the destroyed properties.

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