metro

Sanwo-Olu orders demolition of 2-storey building, sealing of others in Banana Island

Published

3 years ago

April 22, 2023

Babajide Sanwo-olu

Sanwo-Olu orders demolition of 2-storey building, sealing of others in Banana Island

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered the immediate demolition of a two-storey-building located on 310 Close, in Banana Island, Ikoyi, as well as sealing of other buildings in the area.

Sanwo-Olu, however, blamed the collapse of the earlier seven-storey-building on First Avenue, in Banana Island on what he called “reckless” operations of some developers hiding under the pretext of Federal Government agencies issuing building approvals for unsuspecting property owners.

Sanwo-Olu made the remark on Saturday, when he led a delegation of government officials for an on-the-spot accessment of the area, describing the situation as “irresponsible and unacceptable.”

Sanwo-Olu was conducted round the inspection tour by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tayo Bamigbose-Martin, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, LABSCA, Gbolahan Oki, and other engineers.

The governor gave the demolition order while inspecting the building at 310 Close for construction without appropriate approval, while ordering the sealing of others over various infractions.

The governor also inspected an ongoing two storey building located at 303 Close which is being constructed under high tension wire.

READ ALSO:

Bandits release abducted four FGC schoolgirls two years after

Newly elected federal lawmaker dies at 36

National Stadium Lagos shut after floodlight mast collapse

Speaking with newsmen, Sanwo-Olu said, “We are at the site of the last unfortunate building collapse in Banana Island Lagos and I’m sure you have all gone round and see the site.

“Like it has been reported before now, there has been a lot of investigation that is going on right now and you can see that they are still clearing the rubbles at the site.

“We have given an order to stop work, not only at this site but also in all of the construction sites in banana Island.
“I think that the exercise we are doing today is not really just about this location.

“You have all seen the extent of what I will call unapproved extension into the water. You can see that the original line for Banana Island is even not where we are.

“It’s way in front there and you can see that there are several extensions that have been granted by both the Federal Ministry of Work and Housing. These are the two federal agencies that have been culpable for those extensions.

“They have done these extensions even without our knowledge. We have the responsibility for building approvals and the rest of these.

“From what I have been told, all of the four buildings at the back have never even applied for approvals.

“The legality is real and so that is why we are going round other properties in Banana Island.

“Excuses have been given that they don’t have access and this is not acceptable. This is total recklessness of all of the developers and we will make a strong point out of this place and all around Banana Island and in other developments that we have.

“The officers that will also be similarly found culpable will also be sanctioned, if any.

7-man c’ttee

“But what we are doing right now is to set up external seven man committee. We are giving the people two weeks to independently also ascertain what has gone wrong there.

“So they should finish their work maybe towards the end of next week or thereafter.

“And so, this will also further strengthen our hand to be able to also come up with a robust work plan that we can enforce going forward.

“In all of these places, it’s heart breaking each time we have to go through these and it shows sometimes how irresponsible those developers and some of our citizens that just want to make quick money.

“And of course our own officers who are also not alive to their responsibilities.
“We have had to change staff here and there so that we can bring forward a robost and very strong monitoring offices.

“But we believe that we are still far from, we are still short on it I must say. And we will continue to do what we need to do to ensure that we keep the lives of our residents safe at all times.

“We are going round to inspect other properties in this area.”

Vanguard

Related Topics:Banana Island demolition Featured Sanwo-Olu

Up Next

Suspected Jihadists attack ‘Russian camp’ in Mali

Don't Miss

Bandits release abducted four FGC schoolgirls two years after

metro

“You’re still growing as a child” – GehGeh Slams Peller’s Marriage to Jarvis

Published

5 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Ojaigho Prosper, popularly known as GehGeh, TikTok star Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller and Content Creator Elizabeth Aminata, popularly called Jarvis

“You’re still growing as a child” – GehGeh Slams Peller’s Marriage to Jarvis

Influencer questions whether financial success alone qualifies young content creator for marriage, igniting fresh debate on maturity and timing.

Social media commentator Ojaigho Prosper, popularly known as GehGeh, has publicly criticised TikTok star Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, over his decision to marry fellow content creator Elizabeth Aminata, popularly called Jarvis. The criticism has reignited debates about age, maturity and readiness for marriage in the social media era, with GehGeh arguing that financial success alone should not be the basis for marriage.

The criticism followed Peller’s announcement on Sunday that he had completed traditional marriage rites by paying Jarvis’s bride price during a family introduction ceremony in Benin City, Edo State. Sharing clips from the event on Instagram, Peller wrote: “Today, I proudly paid the bride price of the woman I love.” He described the occasion as the beginning of a beautiful journey and expressed gratitude to both families for their blessings, declaring himself “officially off the market.” Following the ceremony, Peller shared an emotional video of Jarvis nearly crying as they prepared to leave her hometown for Lagos. He also recently revealed that Jarvis is pregnant, adding another layer to the public discourse around the timing of their union. The couple’s relationship has been highly publicised since 2024, featuring viral collaborations, multiple engagements, emotional breakups, and reconciliations.

Reacting on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, GehGeh questioned the growing argument that financial strength alone justifies marriage, insisting that other key factors must be considered before making such a life decision. “Y’all are justifying his act with ‘he has the money allow him’. But y’all failed to ask yourself if he’s ready mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually,” he wrote. He further stated: “Everything isn’t all about the money.” GehGeh expressed disappointment that Peller went ahead with the marriage plans despite his earlier advice, arguing that the content creator was still young and had more personal development ahead of him. “You still growing as a child why get married now eehn.. I tried my possible best to help you but you failed to listen to me.. Peller don go marry Jarvis.. upon all my advice this boy still pour spit for my face,” he said. The influencer also challenged those supporting Peller’s decision on the basis of his financial standing, asking whether they would encourage a younger sibling or family member to marry at a similar age. According to GehGeh, those backing the decision on grounds of Peller’s financial stability should reflect on whether they would advise a younger relative to take such a step.

READ ALSO:

The family introduction ceremony comes weeks after Peller proposed to Jarvis at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana, where she accepted his proposal. The couple first met in 2023 through TikTok live streams, and their chemistry quickly captured public attention. In October 2024, their relationship became public when Jarvis kissed Peller on stage at the Pulse Influencer Awards. Their journey has been marked by public arguments, with Jarvis previously expressing concerns about Peller airing their private disagreements online and admitting she had “compromised her values” to support him. In July 2025, Jarvis confirmed they were engaged but stressed that marriage would happen at the right time, citing the need for caution and readiness. The couple has also weathered controversy beyond their personal conduct. In March 2026, Jarvis publicly appealed to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, for forgiveness after backlash over an unauthorised visit to the Benin Royal Palace, which the Benin Traditional Council described as a violation of palace customs. That episode unfolded in the same Edo State setting where the bride price has now been paid, adding an ironic layer to their recent traditional ceremony.

The development has sparked mixed reactions across social media, with some users defending Peller’s decision on the grounds that he is financially stable and capable of providing, while others agreed with GehGeh that maturity goes beyond wealth and readiness equally matters. The exchange underscores how the private milestones of Nigeria’s young digital stars increasingly play out as public referendums on age, money, and readiness for marriage. What follows remains uncertain. Neither Peller nor Jarvis has fixed a date for a white wedding, and GehGeh has not indicated whether he intends to press the matter further. For now, the debate continues to generate significant online engagement, with fans and critics alike weighing in on whether the young content creators made the right decision.

“You’re still growing as a child” – GehGeh Slams Peller’s Marriage to Jarvis

metro

18 Farmers Killed, Several Injured in Fresh Attack on Plateau Communities

Published

5 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Trends Admin

18 Farmers Killed, Several Injured in Fresh Attack on Plateau Communities

Gunmen storm Kawel and Kopkon villages in Bokkos LGA, less than a week after traditional ruler was killed in same area.

No fewer than 18 farmers have been killed and several others injured after gunmen launched coordinated attacks on Kawel and Kopkon villages in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. The assault occurred late Sunday night, heightening concerns over escalating violence in the region and coming less than five days after the District Head of Gwande was killed in an ambush.

The attackers reportedly stormed the communities at about 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, opening fire indiscriminately on sleeping residents before fleeing the area as security operatives mobilised to the scene. Some accounts place the time of the attack as late as 1:20 a.m. on Monday. According to a security report cited by counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, troops of Sector 5 under Operation Enduring Peace responded to distress calls following the attacks. Upon arrival at the affected communities, security operatives recovered 12 bodies from Kawel village and six from Kopkon village, bringing the total number of fatalities to 18. Other reports, however, put the death toll as high as 19 or 21. Military sources said troops have since launched search operations across surrounding communities to track down and apprehend fleeing suspects.

READ ALSO:

Confirming the incident, Christopher Luka, Bokkos Youth Leader, said he received information about the attack from a member of the youth council shortly after midnight. “A youth leader called around 12 a.m. that gunmen attacked the community and shot over 20 people, so 18 were confirmed dead,” Luka told journalists. He explained that he immediately alerted security personnel stationed in Bokkos. “I called the security and they confirmed to me that they had been alerted and were on their way to the attacked community,” he added. Luka described the attack as unprovoked and urged security agencies to take decisive steps to prevent further escalation of violence in the area. He called on security forces to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities in the local government area.

The latest incident comes less than five days after the District Head of Gwande in Bokkos LGA, Saf Samuel Alaket, was killed in an ambush along the Sha District axis bordering Daffo community. The traditional ruler was reportedly returning home from a traditional council meeting when he encountered the attackers. The renewed violence has deepened concerns over security in Bokkos and surrounding communities, which have witnessed recurring deadly attacks in recent months. In May, no fewer than 12 persons were killed in separate attacks on communities in Riyom and Bassa Local Government Areas, and in March, gunmen reportedly killed 27 residents in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the latest attack. Efforts to obtain comments from the spokespersons of the Plateau State Police Command and Operation Enduring Peace, SP Alabo Alfred and Captain Polycarp Auta, were unsuccessful as they had not responded to inquiries. Operation Enduring Peace has since intensified patrols and reinforced security presence in vulnerable parts of the state in response to the recurring incidents. The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges confronting communities in Plateau State, where residents continue to call for a stronger security presence and decisive action to end the cycle of violence.

18 Farmers Killed, Several Injured in Fresh Attack on Plateau Communities

metro

BREAKING: Court Sends Sowore to Kuje Correctional Centre After Revoking Bail

Published

6 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Omoyele Sowore

BREAKING: Court Sends Sowore to Kuje Correctional Centre After Revoking Bail

Activist, SaharaReporters publisher and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre following the revocation of his bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore’s detention on Monday after the activist appeared before the court for the continuation of his trial. The development comes days after the court revoked the bail earlier granted to him and issued a bench warrant for his arrest over his failure to appear at a previous hearing.

Sowore arrived at the court premises carrying a packed travel bag and told journalists that he anticipated the court would order his detention. He was accompanied by supporters and members of his movement, many of whom gathered outside the courtroom with placards expressing solidarity and demanding what they described as justice and respect for free speech.

The court had, on June 16, granted an oral application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), seeking the revocation of Sowore’s bail. The prosecution argued that the activist deliberately failed to attend court despite being aware of the hearing date and urged the judge to compel his appearance through a bench warrant.

READ ALSO:

Although Sowore had sent a letter requesting an adjournment, Justice Umar ruled that the explanation provided was inadequate and insufficient to justify his absence. The court subsequently revoked his bail and directed that he be arrested and produced before the court.

The DSS prosecution of Sowore stems from allegations that he made defamatory statements against President Bola Tinubu, including describing the Nigerian leader as “a criminal” in posts published on his X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts.

According to the DSS, the statements were false, injurious and capable of damaging the reputation of the President. The agency insists that the matter falls within the ambit of applicable laws governing criminal defamation and cyber-related offences.

Sowore has, however, consistently rejected the allegations, maintaining that his comments were political opinions protected by the constitutional right to freedom of expression. His legal team has argued that the charges amount to an attempt to criminalise criticism of public office holders and suppress dissenting views.

The case has attracted widespread attention across Nigeria, drawing reactions from civil society organisations, human rights advocates, political activists and legal practitioners. Many observers view the proceedings as a significant test of the balance between freedom of expression and the enforcement of laws governing online communication.

Monday’s proceedings were marked by heightened security around the Federal High Court complex as supporters and observers closely monitored developments. Following the ruling, court officials processed the remand order, paving the way for Sowore’s transfer to the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further hearings.

The trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with the court also expected to consider pending applications from the defence. Legal analysts say the outcome of the case could have broader implications for political speech, digital rights and the boundaries of public criticism in Nigeria’s democracy.

For now, Omoyele Sowore remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre, where he will stay pending the next stage of proceedings in the closely watched case.