The National Human Rights Commission has commenced investigation into alleged gross human rights violations arising from the demolition of properties at Blue Roof Estate, Surulere Community, Alagbado, Lagos State.
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The investigation followed a petition filed before the Commission by residents of the estate over alleged invasion, intimidation, destruction of properties and displacement of families.
The petition, dated May 5, 2026, was filed by Akeem Aponmade on behalf of the affected residents and registered by the NHRC as Case No. C/2026/CPR/1492/HQ.
According to Aponmade, the residents alleged that between January 27 and February 26, 2026, more than 200 armed hoodlums invaded the community and carried out demolition activities.
The lawyer alleged that the invasion was carried out on behalf of Mr. Ademola Akerele and Mr. Bolu Fakile, and was allegedly backed and sponsored by the Chairman of Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, Mr. Abiodun Ejigbadero.
He further alleged that the invaders claimed they were executing a court order on behalf of the Federal Housing Authority.
However, Aponmade said the FHA later issued a public disclaimer denying involvement in the alleged execution, thereby contradicting the claims made during the operation.
“The residents said they were subjected to harassment, intimidation and unlawful demolition of homes, fences and other structures, leading to the displacement of several families and disruption of livelihoods,” Aponmade said.
The petition also alleged that one resident lost her life during the crisis.
It further claimed that some residents were compelled under duress to pay up to ₦5 million into a private account and sign undertakings to pay an additional ₦20 million, failing which they were allegedly threatened with total loss of their properties.
Aponmade said the alleged acts amounted to violations of constitutionally guaranteed rights, including the right to life, dignity of the human person, right to acquire and own property anywhere in Nigeria, and protection against compulsory acquisition of property without due process.
He said that following complaints lodged by the FHA, some of the principal suspects were declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 Command.
According to him, despite 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.
The lawyer further alleged that the demolition and enforcement activities continued even after the suspects had been declared wanted and despite restraining orders issued by Justice D. T. Olatokun of the Lagos State High Court.
Aponmade also alleged that the operations were carried out in the presence of officers of the Nigeria Police and the Lagos State Government Task Force, who were said to have been on ground with operational vehicles.
He said the matter was later brought back before the court, which issued a further order directing the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to immediately withdraw from the community, after which the demolition activities ceased.
In their petition, the residents presented six demands to the NHRC, including a call for an independent and thorough investigation into the alleged invasion, destruction of properties, intimidation and loss of life.
They also demanded justice for the deceased victim, including accountability for all persons directly or indirectly responsible for the alleged violations.
The residents further urged the Commission to facilitate the prosecution of all alleged perpetrators and investigate the role of security agencies present during the incident, including whether there was any complicity or dereliction of duty.
The petition was accompanied by supporting documents, including an FHA publication disclaiming involvement in the demolition, evidence of police investigation and declarations, proof of alleged illegal payments and bank records, as well as photographic evidence of the destruction.
The NHRC, in its official acknowledgment, confirmed receipt of the petition and assured the petitioners that the allegations would be investigated in line with its constitutional and statutory mandate.
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