- Residents of Festac Town in Lagos State have petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over the Federal Housing Authority’s (FHA) alleged disregard for a court order.
- The FHA has continued to demolish properties in Festac Extension 6th Avenue despite a valid court injunction restraining further demolitions.
- A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja granted the restraining order on September 11, 2023, in favor of the Festac residents.
- The injunction, issued by Justice O. Awope, prohibits the FHA and its agents from demolishing buildings in Festac Town’s 6th Avenue or other areas pending the determination of the substantive suit, No: ID/7397GCM/2023.
- The petition specifically names the Zonal Manager of the FHA, Akintola Olagbenro, alongside two individuals, Chief Chuka Umenne and Coach Sesi, as being complicit in these actions.
- The residents are calling for urgent action by the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the FHA Zonal Manager and his associates for contempt of court.
- They also demand measures to prevent further illegal demolitions and ensure the protection of their rights and properties.
Residents of Festac Town in Lagos State have petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over the Federal Housing Authority’s (FHA) alleged disregard for a court order. The FHA has continued to demolish properties in Festac Extension 6th Avenue despite a valid court injunction restraining further demolitions. A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja granted the restraining order on September 11, 2023, in favor of the Festac residents. The injunction, issued by Justice O. Awope, prohibits the FHA and its agents from demolishing buildings in Festac Town’s 6th Avenue or other areas pending the determination of the substantive suit, No: ID/7397GCM/2023 .
The petition, filed through their lawyer, Mr. Adetayo Bello, specifically names the Zonal Manager of the FHA, Akintola Olagbenro, alongside two individuals, Chief Chuka Umenne and Coach Sesi, as being complicit in these actions. The residents are calling for urgent action by the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the FHA Zonal Manager and his associates for contempt of court. They also demand measures to prevent further illegal demolitions and ensure the protection of their rights and properties .
The petition reads: “This act not only represents a contempt of court but also a criminal abuse of power that can endanger public peace.” The residents are seeking the IGP’s intervention to uphold the rule of law and protect their rights and properties. The FHA’s actions have been widely criticized, with many calling for an end to the demolitions and a resolution to the dispute through peaceful means .
