The controversies surrounding parcels of land in Alma Beach, Ikate, Lagos, continue to escalate as estate owners, including Abah Onah, Frank Briggs, and Amythorix Company Limited, prepare for a renewed legal battle. These owners have approached the Court of Appeal to commence contempt proceedings against the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) over allegations of lawlessness, impunity, and disregard for court rulings.
In an affidavit filed on July 17, 2024, Monday Peter, an official of Amythorix Company, claimed that LASBCA unlawfully brought in bulldozers to demolish properties worth over ₦1 billion, defying court orders. According to Peter, LASBCA’s actions represent an affront to the judicial process, and he urged the Court of Appeal to intervene to protect the integrity of the legal system.
Peter stated, “Unless the Court grants this application, the contemnors will continue their nefarious activities of invading the premises of the Appellant to demolish and destroy the remaining properties.” The affidavit, seen by this medium, reflects growing frustration with the state agency’s defiance of legal orders.
Abah Onah and Amythorix Company, who claim rightful ownership of the land, described LASBCA’s actions as contemptuous of the Court of Appeal, where their case (Appeal No: CAL/LAG/CV/172) is still pending. They argued that LASBCA demolished the buildings despite having received proper approval from the relevant authorities.
Onah further accused LASBCA’s General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, of working on behalf of developers Netconstruct and Afolabi Oseni, alleging that Oki disregarded court orders in his pursuit to seize the land for his associates. On July 12, 2024, Oki allegedly led a nighttime demolition operation, bulldozing properties worth billions of naira with the assistance of police officers and hired thugs.
Onah added that during a post-demolition meeting convened by the Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, Oki issued further threats, stating that the demolition would continue regardless of the court’s rulings. Netconstruct’s lawyer, Muiz Banire (SAN), reportedly informed the meeting that a favorable report from the new Lagos State Attorney General was expected, heightening tensions among the property owners.
During the meeting on July 23, 2024, hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Urban Planning, Jide Babatunde, Muiz Banire was introduced as an “uncle” to the ministry, further raising concerns about impartiality in the case. Onah, Briggs, and Amythorix Company have since submitted a formal petition to Governor Sanwo-Olu, accusing LASBCA of tarnishing the government’s image by disregarding court orders.
Briggs, another affected estate owner, expressed his confusion over the demolition of his property. He stated that after being fined ₦21 million for constructing without approval, he was instructed to pay the amount into a Sterling Bank account (Account No: 0072092193) under the name Akannistic Ventures, which he did. Despite settling the fine, his property was still demolished.
The estate owners’ legal representative, Sir Ejeta Otuoniyo, described the situation as alarming, accusing individuals within LASBCA of running the agency like a “Gestapo organization” and undermining commercial activities in Lagos. Otuoniyo warned that such actions could lead to widespread anarchy and the collapse of law and order if the judiciary’s authority continues to be disrespected.
In a telephone interview, LASBCA GM Gbolahan Oki denied the allegations, insisting that the agency is acting within the law and advising aggrieved parties to seek redress through the courts. LASBCA’s media officer, Victor Felix, confirmed that the agency does not collect fines in private accounts, adding that all payments are made directly to government accounts. He also denied knowledge of any court summons, promising to follow up with the agency’s legal department.
As tensions mount, the property owners await the outcome of their appeal and the response from Governor Sanwo-Olu, hoping that the rule of law will ultimately prevail in their favor.
