Police Defend Demolition as Computer Village Traders Seek Compensation

In the aftermath of the demolition of the Police Officers’ Wives Association Shopping Complex in the bustling Computer Village, Ikeja, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, stood firm in affirming that the demolition had the necessary approvals.

The demolition, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, left shop owners in despair as they counted their losses. Adejobi had previously explained that the complex was slated for demolition to pave the way for the construction of a modern shopping complex on the same land.

Addressing the claims of affected occupants who argued the demolition was illegal, Adejobi, in a message to our correspondent, stated that the occupants were duly informed and had declined multiple invitations for meetings before the demolition.

“They had been informed, they were even called for a series of meetings. They had been declining calls for meetings. Hence, POWA got all the necessary approvals to go ahead with the demolition. The state government was also involved in the demolition process. That allegation or claim from the occupants was not true. Disregard please,” Adejobi stated.

However, one of the shop owners, Okeke Ifeanyi, contested this, asserting that the demolition was illegal. He explained that they were surprised when the building was sealed without formal notice and emphasized that they had resorted to legal action to prevent the demolition.

In response to the situation, Emeka Aghulor, another affected shop owner, highlighted that they had sought justice through petitions to relevant authorities but were met with the destruction of their properties.

The Lagos State government, in a statement on its official handle, distanced itself from the demolition, clarifying that the structure belonged to the Police Officers Wives Association, and they were responsible for ordering its demolition.

Chairman of the Computer Dealer Association in Computer Village, Tayo Shittu, demanded compensation, emphasizing that justice should prevail for the affected traders who had ongoing tenancy agreements.

The incident has sparked concerns among traders who now seek redress and compensation for their losses, prompting a broader discussion on the legality and fairness of the demolition process.

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