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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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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism
Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism
Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”
In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”
He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”
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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.
“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.
Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.
Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism
metro
Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel
Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.
According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.
Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.
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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.
Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.
The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.
“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.
Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel
metro
Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts
Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).
The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.
Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.
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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”
Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.
President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.
Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts
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