Lagos governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has accused agents of the Lagos State Government of brutality and unlawful detention following the arrest of an engineer during enforcement actions at the Jakande Housing Estate in Ilasan.
In a statement on Tuesday, Rhodes-Vivour said the incident occurred when he visited the estate and was accompanied by the engineer, identified as Engr. Moro. According to him, the engineer merely stated that the government should fairly compensate legitimate title holders before carrying out demolitions that would render landlords homeless.
Rhodes-Vivour alleged that, despite doing “absolutely no wrong,” Engr. Moro was attacked by agents of the Lagos State Government in his presence. He claimed the engineer was beaten “mercilessly” until he fainted, after which he was detained. He further stated that the engineer was initially held at the Lagos State Task Force base in Oshodi before being transferred to Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
The former governorship candidate said the engineer’s arrest stemmed from his insistence that the state government obey a court injunction restraining demolition of the affected buildings. He accused the government of choosing to act “lawlessly” by disregarding the injunction and harming citizens who were demanding fair compensation and adherence to due process.
Rhodes-Vivour disclosed that a magistrate later granted bail to Engr. Moro under stringent conditions. The bail was set at ₦200,000, with two sureties who must be gainfully employed by the Lagos State Government. The sureties are also required to present evidence of tax payment for the past three years, as well as proof of employment, including letters of appointment and identity cards. In addition, the magistrate reportedly directed that the Head of Service must issue a letter approving the sureties.
He also referenced a video showing the engineer calmly presenting the court injunction to demolition officials before his arrest, insisting that the officials proceeded in defiance of the order.
Rhodes-Vivour condemned what he described as continued intimidation of citizens by a “lawless government” and called on the international community and human rights organisations, including the United States and European Union missions in Nigeria and Amnesty International, to take note of the incident and demand accountability.
