society
Gospel Artist Testimony Jaga Seeks Justice as LASBCA Demolitions Leave AIT Road Residents Homeless, Injured
Gospel Artist Testimony Jaga Seeks Justice as LASBCA Demolitions Leave AIT Road Residents Homeless, Injured
LAGOS, Nigeria — Gospel artist Testimony Jaga has appealed to the Lagos State Government to urgently intervene in what he describes as a “humanitarian disaster” following the demolition of homes and shops along AIT Road, Kola, and the Powerline axis by officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).
According to the singer, the government’s operation carried out under the justification that the structures fell within high-tension powerline extensions has plunged countless families into sorrow, homelessness, and in some cases, physical harm. Jaga said many victims are elderly people and widows who have nowhere else to go.
He alleged that despite the government’s earlier claim that the cleared land would be used for the construction of a BRT garage and a Mechanic Village, the same land is now reportedly being allocated to individuals while construction of a mall and rows of shops has begun.
He expressed concern that the government’s shifting plans are raising suspicion among affected residents who originally believed the demolitions were for public infrastructure.
The gospel artist further revealed that landlords in the community allegedly contributed a total of ₦25 million, which they reportedly paid through community channels to the Ministry of Environment, hoping their buildings and businesses would be spared. Instead, he said, the demolitions still went ahead, leaving many feeling cheated and abandoned.
The demolitions, which lasted for days, shattered the lives of hundreds. Many now sleep outside, exposed to rain, mosquitoes, hunger, and the cold Lagos night.
One of the victims, Mrs. Adebimpe Oduro, a widow, said her only source of livelihood was wiped out in minutes. She recounted watching helplessly as her shop, where she sold goods to sustain her children, was bulldozed. She said some of her merchandise was destroyed before she could salvage anything, adding that she now has no income and no shelter.
Another woman, Mrs. Esther Oalogun, fought back tears as she described the demolition as “the beginning of a slow death.” She said she has been struggling to find food since losing her business.
Mrs. Shola Ikotun and Mrs. Bisoye Lawal also narrated their ordeal, explaining how the loss of their shops has devastated their livelihoods. They said they now spend long hours in the open beside the demolished site, unsure of how to start again and relying on neighbours for food while they struggle to rebuild their businesses. Lawal said she feels like “a stranger in the community I once belonged to,” describing the emotional impact of watching the shop she managed for decades reduced to rubble.
Perhaps the most harrowing account came from 64-year-old Mrs. Olabisi Osho, a resident of No. 44 Powerline Phase 2 on AIT Road. She said the house she had lived in for over 28 years, one she built with her late husband, was torn down early one morning without warning.
During the chaos, she suffered a head injury and passed out. According to her, LASBCA officials continued the demolition even while she lay unconscious. Now injured, widowed, and homeless, she sleeps on bare ground beside the remnants of her former home. “My husband died four years ago. This house was all I had left of him,” she said, weeping.
Another widow, 63-year-old Mrs. Elizabeth Mercy Oni, said she has now become a two-time victim of Lagos demolitions. She explained that her daughter, who cared for her, also lost her shop, leaving both of them homeless. They now sleep in an open space covered only with a tarpaulin. “I don’t know how to start again at my age,” she said.
Mrs. Aina Adejare, aged 66, said she had lived in her marital home for more than 30 years before it was bulldozed last week. She lost her husband ten years ago and said the house was her only security. “I sleep on the bare ground now. I have no money, nowhere to go, and nobody to help,” she said.
Testimony Jaga urged the government to return to the original development plan of a BRT depot and a Mechanic Village, arguing that these projects would create jobs and improve the economy of the community rather than displacing vulnerable people.
He also appealed for immediate compensation for the victims, especially the widows and elderly residents who are currently sleeping in the open with no access to food, water, or basic shelter.
“This situation is bigger than politics,” he said. “It is about real human lives, real suffering, and real families who have been pushed into despair. These people deserve justice and immediate relief.”
Alleged Manipulation of Defilement Case Sparks Call for Review of Legal Advice in Lagos
By Ifeoma Ikem
A legal controversy has emerged in Lagos following a petition seeking a review of a legal advice issued in a case involving two female teachers accused of negligence in a child injury incident at a nursery school in Ikorodu.
The petition, submitted by Crown Cannan Attorneys, urges the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to reconsider the legal advice issued on September 16, 2022, in the case titled Commissioner of Police vs. Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba and Rukayat Lawal.
Addressed to the former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, the application argues that the legal advice may have been influenced by what the petition describes as a “deliberate manipulation of facts.”
According to counsel representing the defendants, the allegations stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on October 26, 2021, at Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School located in the Adamo area of Ikorodu, Lagos.
The defendants, Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, 26, and Rukayat Lawal, 24, were reportedly the class teacher and assistant class teacher respectively in charge of a Nursery One class where the incident occurred.
Court documents indicate that a three-year-old pupil, identified as Victim A, was reportedly injured after another pupil allegedly pierced a pencil into her private part during school hours.
The prosecution claims the incident occurred due to the failure of the teachers to exercise adequate care and supervision over the children under their custody.
Based on this allegation, the two educators were charged with negligence under Section 252 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which addresses acts that may cause harm through lack of proper care.
The defendants were subsequently arraigned before Magistrate Court No. 2 in Ikeja on April 19, 2022, where they faced a one-count charge relating to the incident.
During the investigation conducted at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja, several civil society groups reportedly monitored the proceedings.
Among them were representatives of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) and other non-governmental organizations.
These groups reportedly raised concerns about what they described as a growing tendency to weaponise allegations of child abuse in ways that could unfairly damage reputations and careers.
In its petition, the defence team argued that the case deserves a fresh review to ensure that justice is served based on verified facts rather than assumptions or public pressure.
They urged the Ministry of Justice to carefully reassess the legal advice and the circumstances surrounding the investigation to determine whether the prosecution should proceed as currently framed.
Legal observers say the outcome of the requested review could determine the next stage of the case and may also highlight broader concerns about investigative procedures and child protection cases within the justice system.
Reacting to a viral social media post by Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, who claimed she might be jailed for defilement, the head teacher of Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Edaolaropin Toyin, provided the school’s account of events.
According to her, the pupil identified as Victim A was enrolled in the Nursery One class on September 20, 2021, which had about 15 pupils.
She explained that on October 26, 2021, the pupil was transported home on the school bus after closing hours and handed over to her father around 4:30 p.m.
“Later that night, the pupil’s mother allegedly contacted the head teacher, claiming her daughter cried while bathing and alleged that a male classmate, Victim B, had inserted a pencil into her private part during school hours,” she said.
The school, however, rejected the allegation, maintaining that no such incident occurred while the child was in its custody.
“The following morning, the teacher visited the pupil’s home, where the father reportedly denied the mother’s account of the incident,” Toyin added.
She said the situation escalated later that day when the child’s parents arrived at the school with police officers from Imota Police Station demanding that the alleged male classmate be produced.
The head teacher further stated that the school management had supported Tobiloba throughout the legal process.
“Since the incident happened, the school management has never stopped supporting Tobiloba’s welfare until last year when she sent a WhatsApp message saying she was no longer interested in the court matter, claiming she had relocated to Ibadan,” she said.
She described the claims currently circulating on social media as “defamatory narratives.”
*GEN CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE MOURNS FALLEN HEROES AND URGES UNITY IN SECURITY SUPPORT
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) expresses its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Grand Patron of the Initiative, and the families of the fallen heroes who courageously lost their lives in a recent attack by ISWAP in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Dalori in Borno State, northeast Nigeria. Among the tragic losses were three senior military commanders: Major U.I. Mairiga, Lt-Col Umar Faruq, and Lt-Col S.I. Iliyasu, who dedicated their lives to the service of our nation.
The GCGMSI implores the public to continue supporting our security agencies, emphasizing that the safety and security of our nation is a collective responsibility. Every day, our security forces pay the ultimate price to safeguard our country. We urge the public to remain supportive, pray for their success, and refrain from politicizing the security challenges we face.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, which has been made available to the press. The statement highlights the initiative’s profound concern for the losses sustained by our security personnel and reflects on the broader security situation in Nigeria.
In his unwavering commitment to addressing the insecurity plaguing our nation, the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, has consistently engaged in urgent meetings with service chiefs, reinforcing strategic plans to combat threats and enhance national security. His leadership and decisive actions demonstrate a dedication to restoring peace and stability across our regions, ensuring a safer environment for all Nigerians.
society
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
By Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
In these challenging times, it is essential for all Nigerians to rally behind our leaders, particularly His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, the Minister of Defence. The security of our nation is not a matter to be taken lightly or politicized. Gen. Musa, recognized for his unwavering dedication and sacrifice, has served our country commendably throughout his life.
Following the recent reshuffle of service chiefs by President Asiwaju Bola Ahamed Tinubu GCFR, which resulted in Gen. Musa’s retirement as Chief of Defence Staff, many voiced their concerns. Yet, upon his appointment as Minister of Defence, there was a renewed sense of hope among the populace. Gen. Musa has embraced his role with an unwavering commitment, often sacrificing his rest to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.
While it is undeniable that Nigeria faces security challenges, we must approach these issues with unity rather than division. It is crucial to recognize that those who politicize our national security are often those who have not contributed positively to the success of our security agencies. Instead of spreading negativity, we should support Gen. Musa in his mission to restore peace and stability.
To achieve our collective goal of a secure Nigeria, we must provide Gen. Musa with the trust he deserves. His vision and determination, paired with our support and prayers, can pave the way to overcoming the challenges we face. It’s time for every Nigerian to put aside political differences and work together for the common good. Let us have faith in our leaders and trust in Gen. Musa’s ability to steer our nation towards safety and security.
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