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Jakande Estate Residents Protest Alleged Planned Demolition at Lagos Assembly
Residents of Jakande Estate, Ilesan, Lagos State, on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly over alleged plans by the state government to continue demolishing their homes.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Alhaji Abdulhameed Shuaib appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to halt further demolition, respect an existing court injunction, and ensure a fair and transparent resolution of the dispute.
The protesters carried placards with messages such as “Demolition without adequate compensation is injustice,” “Stop forceful eviction,” and “No compensation, no demolition at Jakande Estate, Ilesan.”
Shuaib said residents were not opposed to redevelopment but insisted that compensation, if demolition was unavoidable, must reflect the true value of their homes. According to him, the issue began in 2025 when residents were informed of plans to clear the estate and were offered compensation.
He explained that an initial offer of ₦6 million for a three-bedroom apartment was rejected as inadequate, noting that the flats were government-allocated properties with duly signed documents from a former governor. Subsequent offers of ₦7 million and later ₦11 million were also turned down, especially as residents were allegedly asked to submit original property documents with payment promised months later.
“We refused because it is risky. Once demolition begins, nothing can stop it,” Shuaib said.
Despite ongoing legal efforts, he alleged that about 50 buildings were demolished in March 2025. Residents later secured a court injunction restraining further demolition, which he said has since been extended until February 4, 2026.
Shuaib further claimed that threats persisted despite the injunction, including warnings that residents who failed to accept compensation before demolition would forfeit all entitlements. He also alleged that some tenants were recently offered ₦50,000 to vacate, while heavy machinery was again seen entering the estate.
According to him, two residents were arrested after presenting court documents to a demolition team and are currently being detained at a police facility in Oshodi.
He expressed concern that state officials, including the governor and the attorney-general, allegedly failed to appear in court or send representatives despite being listed as parties in the suit.
Addressing the protesters, Setonji David, who represents Badagry Constituency II, urged them to remain calm, assuring that the House of Assembly would investigate the matter.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.