metro
Lagos Demolition Sparks Reallocation Uproar: New Structures Emerge on Cleared Power-Line Corridor
Lagos Demolition Sparks Reallocation Uproar: New Structures Emerge on Cleared Power-Line Corridor
The wave of demolitions sweeping through Lagos — dubbed “Hurricane Sanwo-Olu” by residents — has hit the Command, Aminkanle, and AIT corridors of Alagbado in Agbado-Oke-Odo LCDA, leaving thousands displaced and entire communities in ruins. More than 3,000 structures, including homes, shops, religious centres, schools and workshops, were pulled down last week as bulldozers operated non-stop for over seven days.
The demolition, which began on November 6, is part of the Lagos State Government’s ongoing enforcement to clear illegal buildings under high-tension power lines. Earlier in the year, the first phase was carried out from Command T-Junction to Atapa Market, but the exercise was temporarily halted — a pause that allegedly opened the door to misinformation and exploitation of anxious property owners by fraudsters promising to “lobby” government officials.
When Sunday Sun visited the area, many victims were seen retrieving scattered belongings from the rubble. While some residents claimed they had no prior notice, an official of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) insisted that occupants were given months to vacate. He said the earlier pause in demolition was specifically to allow residents relocate safely.
The Lagos State Government had, through a public statement earlier in the year, directed the removal of structures under power lines. The statement, signed by LASBCA spokesperson Adu Ademuyiwa, warned that property owners had until January 31, 2025 to comply.
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But residents told stories of confusion, deception, poverty and last-minute panic. Some blamed landlords for giving false assurances. Others said financial constraints kept them from securing new accommodation in time.
Mr. Olalekan Sogade, a tenant whose building was destroyed, said he moved into his home in April 2024 and was misled to believe the demolition had been suspended. Another resident, Chigozie, explained that despite knowing the risks of living under high-tension wires, he stayed because it was the only affordable option while he struggled financially and dealt with his wife’s illness.
The affected corridor features two parallel power lines. Residents claimed one line existed before the community developed, while the second was installed later. Though some reports suggest compensation was paid during construction of the second line, many occupants allegedly stayed put and were ultimately affected.
A fresh controversy, however, is heightening tension. Residents whose properties were demolished earlier in the year in the Atapa axis accuse government officials of reallocating their cleared land to new owners. A community leader alleged that new buildings are already springing up on land from which original occupants were evicted. “The government claims to be protecting lives, but the same land now has new structures. Who owns them?” he asked.
A Sunday Sun investigation confirmed that construction is ongoing in the previously demolished Command–Atapa corridor.
Reacting to the allegations, LASBCA dismissed claims that government reallocated any demolished land, warning that anyone involved in such illegal activity would face the law. Ademuyiwa emphasised that clearing structures under high-tension lines is strictly a public-safety measure, citing risks such as electrocution, fires, power surges and major infrastructure hazards.
He added that illegal buildings also undermine urban planning and environmental sustainability, reaffirming government’s commitment to creating a safer, more resilient Lagos.
Residents are urged to comply with building regulations and voluntarily remove structures within restricted zones to avoid further sanctions.
Lagos Demolition Sparks Reallocation Uproar: New Structures Emerge on Cleared Power-Line Corridor
The Sun
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metro
Kano Police Trace 12 Stolen Vehicles, Arrest 10 Suspects
Kano Police Trace 12 Stolen Vehicles, Arrest 10 Suspects
The Kano State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of an alleged interstate car theft syndicate and recovered 12 vehicles linked to the group.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori disclosed this on Wednesday during a briefing at the Tarauni Area Command.
According to him, five suspects were first arrested in Adamawa on September 7, leading to the recovery of a Mercedes-Benz GLK 350. Further investigation resulted in the recovery of 10 additional vehicles from Kano and neighbouring states.

Five more suspects were arrested on September 12 at Kwankwasiyya City Quarters, Tarauni, where police allegedly recovered a stolen Toyota Hilux.
Bakori said preliminary findings showed that the suspects allegedly operated across Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe and other states. He said the group allegedly stole vehicles, hid them at different locations and moved them across state borders for resale.
The commissioner noted that 11 of the 12 recovered vehicles were unregistered, making it difficult to trace their owners.
He urged vehicle owners to register their vehicles and display valid number plates, while warning that unregistered vehicles could make criminal investigations more difficult.
Bakori said investigations were ongoing and efforts were underway to arrest other suspected members of the syndicate.
Kano Police Trace 12 Stolen Vehicles, Arrest 10 Suspects
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metro
Osun Govt Vows to Prosecute Those Behind Recent Killings
Osun Govt Vows to Prosecute Those Behind Recent Killings
The Osun State Government has vowed to prosecute anyone found responsible for the recent killings and violent clashes across the state.
The government also denied allegations that it was protecting those suspected of killing Olalekan Oyeyemi amid a leadership dispute in the state chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
Speaking on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Security Matters, Samuel Ojo, said the administration would allow security agencies to investigate the cases without interference.
Adeleke Summons Security Chiefs
Following the recent violence, Adeleke called an emergency security meeting attended by commanders from the police, DSS, Army, NDLEA, Immigration, Correctional Service, Civil Defence and Amotekun.
Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi represented the governor at the meeting.
Ojo said the security chiefs agreed to intensify efforts to stop further killings and restore peace across Osun.
He also dismissed claims that the government was shielding suspects in Oyeyemi’s murder, saying the police and DSS had been directed to thoroughly investigate the case.
Meanwhile, two NURTW leaders, Gbedegesin and Kareem Akeem, had alleged that Oyeyemi was killed because some union leaders opposed his proposed emergence as the next state chairman.
Transportation Commissioner Sesan Oyedele, however, denied that the government endorsed Oyeyemi for the position. He said the union leaders only informed him of their decision to choose the deceased.
About five people have reportedly been killed between August 24 and September 15 in Ikire, Ile-Ife and Osogbo in incidents linked to motor park disputes and alleged cult-related clashes.
Osun Govt Vows to Prosecute Those Behind Recent Killings
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metro
57-Year-Old Man Arrested Over Sexual Abuse of Stepdaughter in Edo
57-Year-Old Man Arrested Over Sexual Abuse of Stepdaughter in Edo
The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 57-year-old man, identified as Kadiri Edenokun, over the alleged defilement of his six-year-old stepdaughter in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The suspect was reportedly taken into custody after the alleged abuse of the child was brought to the attention of the authorities, prompting the police to commence an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case.
Police sources said the suspect allegedly admitted during interrogation that the incident occurred on more than one occasion. However, the allegation remains under investigation, and Edenokun has not been convicted of any offence.
The case has renewed attention on the problem of child sexual abuse in Edo State, particularly allegations involving adults who have regular access to children within homes and other familiar environments.
The Edo State Government disclosed in August that more than 70 cases of child defilement had been recorded in the state between January and July 2026. The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, said children between the ages of two and 10 were among those affected.
The commissioner also said that more than half of the cases reported during the period involved fathers of the affected children, highlighting concerns over sexual abuse occurring within family settings.
The state government has continued to work with relevant agencies on cases of sexual and gender-based violence, including the provision of medical, psychosocial and protective support to survivors.
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The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has also been involved in providing temporary protective care and other forms of assistance to children and young people affected by sexual violence.
In a separate case reported recently, the ministry provided an update on a 16-year-old girl who was allegedly sexually abused and became pregnant. The ministry said the survivor was placed in a government shelter and was receiving support while arrangements were being made for her welfare and education.
The police have also reported a number of arrests involving alleged sexual offences against minors across Edo State.
The Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, said the command arrested several suspects in August in connection with sexual and gender-based violence. Some of the suspects were subsequently charged to court, while investigations into other cases continued.
Among the cases reported by the command were allegations involving girls aged 13, 15 and 11. Police also reported investigations involving alleged defilement of minors in Okpella and other parts of the state.
At its August operational review, the Edo Police Command said 12 suspects had been arrested in connection with sexual and gender-based violence during the month. The command also reported arrests linked to kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, human trafficking and other offences.
The latest case involving the six-year-old girl is expected to be subjected to further investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse and determine whether sufficient evidence exists to support criminal charges.
The child has reportedly been placed under appropriate care and is receiving medical attention with the involvement of the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Child protection advocates have consistently stressed the importance of promptly reporting suspected cases of child abuse and sexual violence, particularly where the alleged perpetrator is a family member, caregiver or another adult with access to the child.
Under Nigerian law, allegations of defilement involving children are treated as serious criminal matters, with the relevant authorities responsible for investigating reported cases and presenting evidence before a court where prosecution is warranted.
The police are expected to complete their investigation and take appropriate legal steps based on the evidence gathered.
Edenokun remains an accused person at this stage, and any determination of criminal responsibility will ultimately be made through due process and, where applicable, by a court of law.
57-Year-Old Man Arrested Over Sexual Abuse of Stepdaughter in Edo
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