News
How my N1billion mansion in FESTAC was demolished by FHA, Task Force in Lagos, Biz man cries out
A Civil Engineer, Mr. McDonald Ejiofor, has decried the demolition of his N500 million property by officials of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) at 6th Avenue, FESTAC Town, Lagos, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, describing it as the total destruction of years of labor and dreams.
Ejiofor, 48, alleged that FHA officials, policemen attached to the Lagos State Task Force and hired thugs stormed his residence at Plot 1892, Route 65, Caravan Estate, with bulldozers and began pulling down the structure while his family was still inside.
He stated that he legally acquired the land from the Kuje family in 2016, following a Federal High Court judgment which, according to him, granted ownership of the disputed area to the family.
According to him, trouble started after he moved into the property nine months ago, following claims by a lawyer (names withheld) that the portion was allotted to him by the FHA.
Explaining further, he said: “The same month we moved in, my painter called me that one Barrister Ferdinand Obiora came with some hoodlums, vandalized my gate, arrested my workers, and took them to the FESTAC Police Station. I received a call from the police that they needed my attention. I was told that a man claimed to be the main allottee of the land from FHA and wanted to see me. So, I consulted my lawyer, who went there and bailed the boys because I was not in Lagos then.
“One month after that, they came to my property again and pasted a demolition notice emanating from FHA. I snapped the notice and sent it to the lawyer representing the Kuje family on the case. The history is that when the Federal High Court gave judgment in favor of the family in 2016, FHA appealed. As we speak, the matter is before the Lagos State High Court. The court directed that all parties should maintain the status quo until judgment is delivered.
“FHA should know they don’t have any right to demolish until the final judgment comes out. So, it was based on that that I had peace. But I was surprised last Saturday morning when I went to play football. Around 8 a.m., I saw about 23 missed calls from my neighbors. When I returned one of the calls, they asked me to rush home, that FHA was at my property with a bulldozer to demolish my building.
“Before I got home, they had brought down the fence and cut my building into two. I started begging them to give me time. Even my wife was inside when they began the demolition. People were shouting, telling them someone was inside, but they didn’t listen. My furniture, electronics, machines, documents, certificates, international passport, bed, and clothes were all buried under the debris.”
“The following day, over 30 policemen in six Helix vans stormed the site as we tried to block water from entering the wreckage. They beat me, my wife, and my brother, threw us into a Black Maria, and took us to the Taskforce cell at Oshodi. They forced me to sign an undertaking not to return to the property,” he alleged.
During a visit to 6th Avenue on Tuesday, more than 15 structures had already been demolished, leaving affected residents and traders in confusion. The demolition exercise was still ongoing as bulldozers pulled down structures while traders displayed their goods beside the wreckage.
A Lagos State Government-branded bulldozer was seen at the site, while officials pointed out more buildings marked for demolition. A distressed trader told Vanguard that she had yet to find a new location for her business.
At a nearby cement depot, workers were seen salvaging leftover bags of cement as bulldozers advanced toward 9th Road. Some officials claimed the structures encroached on road setbacks, but affected residents insisted that most of the demolished buildings stood behind drainage channels with visible setbacks from the main road.
Residents Fault Exercise
They also accused the FHA of carrying out selective demolition, alleging that while some buildings were spared, others, mostly privately developed properties, were deliberately targeted.
A resident of FESTAC Town, Mr. Paul Nwosu, former Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, described the demolition as unfair and lacking in human consideration, noting that many traders were not issued prior warnings before the exercise.
He said: “I was passing here on Saturday when I saw them destroying the shops. I was told the reason was encroachment. But if you look closely, you’ll see the gutter and a clear setback. These buildings are in alignment with others. So how did they encroach on the road?
“I don’t have a shop here, but I sympathies with those who have spent so much to build these structures. You know how much cement, wood, and roofing cost. Then they come and knocked it down like a pack of cards. If they had given notice, people would have removed their wares, but they didn’t,” he added.
“These are investments. Even if they didn’t have permits, they could have been asked to regularize. Destroying people’s means of livelihood without notice is wicked. People would have removed their wares if they were informed. Now everything is gone,” he lamented.
Task Force Reacts
However, in a swift reaction, the Lagos State Taskforce dismissed as false the allegation that its officers unjustly arrested Ejiofor’s family members or residents during the demolition exercise conducted by the FHA.
In a viral video, a woman identified as Oneway had accused the Task Force of unlawfully detaining her husband and others during the operation. But the Agency clarified that those arrested were apprehended for attacking Task Force officials with stones and dangerous objects in an attempt to obstruct the lawful demolition of structures encroaching on FHA property. It alleged that the woman’s husband, who led the assault, had initially tried to bribe the demolition team to stop the exercise but turned violent when his offer was rejected.
Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, condemned the attack and warned that preventing law enforcement officers from performing their duties is a criminal offence.
Also, the Lagos State Government denied involvement in the demolition. The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, stated emphatically that the state government had no hand in the exercise, noting that the government follows a clear process before pulling down any structure.
He explained that such processes include giving all necessary notices and engaging affected persons. The commissioner urged all agencies, including federal ones, to always consult and obtain clearance from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development before carrying out any demolition.
“We want to assure residents that the Lagos State Government is committed to fairness, due process, and the protection of property rights. Any demolition done without proper authorization does not represent the position of this administration,” he said.
Efforts to reach FHA proved abortive. However, some of its concessionaires, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that those whose properties were demolished did not acquire them from the FHA. They challenged the affected persons to display their documents. (Vanguard)
The Federal government has filed a 13-count charge against seven persons linked to an alleged plot to forcefully overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, terrorize the citizens, and sack democratic governance.
Six of the alleged coup plotters were nabbed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The seventh, former Governor Timpre Sylva of Bayelsa State, is on the run and is being tried in absentia.
In the suit filed on behalf of the Federal government by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana,
retired Navy Captain Victor Erasmus Ochegobia, a former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timpre Sylva, a serving police Inspector, Ahmed Ibrahim. The others are Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
The charges filed against them include treasonable felony, conspiracy to overthrow the government, conspiracy to commit terrorism and other offenses related to national security threats.
The charges are:
That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA – (RTD),
CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR -(RTD), INSPECTOR
AHMED IBRAHIM(AP776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM
GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, TIMPRE SYLVA (still at large) and
others, sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court, conspired with one another to levy war against the state
to overawe the President of the Federal Republic o f Nigeria and thereby
committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 37(2) of the code cap 38 LFN 2004.
COUNT 2
That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA – (RTD),
CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR – (RTD), INSPECTOR
AHMED IBRAHIM(AP776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM
GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, TIMPRE SYLVA (still at large) and
others, sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court, knowing that COLONEL MOHAMMED ALHASSAN
MA’AJI (N/10668) and others intended to commit treason, did not give
the information thereof with all reasonable despatch to either the President
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or a Peace Officer and thereby committed
an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 40(b) of the Criminal
Code Cap C38 LFN 2004.
COUNT 3
That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA – (RTD),
CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR – (RTD), INSPECTOR
AHMED IBRAHIM(AP776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM
GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, TIMPRE SYLVA(still at large) and
others, sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this
Honorable Court, knowing that COLONEL MOHAMMED ALHASSAN
MA AJI (N/10668), and others intended to commit treason, did not use
any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence and
thereby committed an offence contrary t o and punishable under Section
40(b) of the Criminal Code Cap C 38 (LFN) 2004.
COUNT 4
MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA -(RTD), CAPTAIN
(NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR -(RTD), INSPECTOR AHMED
IBRAHIM(AP776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM GONEy
ABDULKADIR SANI, TIMPRE SYLVA (still at large) and others, sometime in the year 2025 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honorable court conspired with one another to commit an act of Terrorism Federal Republic of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
COUNT 5
That you, INSPECTOR AHMED IBRAHIM (AP 776373) AND ZEKERI
UMORU, sometime in the year 2025 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court, in a bid to further a political ideology which may seriously
destabilize the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
knowingly participated in meetings connected with an act of terrorism and
thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections
2(3)(d) and 12(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
COUNT 6
That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA – (RTD),
CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR -(RTD), INSPECTOR
AHMED IBRAHIM(AP 776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM
GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, AND TIMPRE SYLVA (still at large), sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court knowingly and indirectly, rendered support to COLONEL
MOHAMMED ALHASSAN MA’AJI (N/10668) and others, to commit an act of terrorism, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 13(1) (a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
COUNT 7
That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA – (RTD),
CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR – (RTD), INSPECTOR
AHMED IBRAHIM(AP 776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM
GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, AND TIMPRE SYLVA (still at large), sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court had information which you knew would be o f material assistance in preventing the commission o f the act o f terrorism by COLONEL MOHAMMED ALHASSAN MA’AJI (N/10668), and others, failed to disclose the information to the relevant agency as soon as practicable, and
thereby committed a n offence contrary to and punishable under Section 16(1)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
COUNT 8
That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA – (RTD),
CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR – (RTD), INSPECTOR
AHMED IBRAHIM(AP 776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM
GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, AND TIMPRE SYLVA (still at large), sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court had information which you knew would be of material assistance in
securing the apprehension of COLONEL MOHAMMED ALHASSAN MA’AJI (N/10668), and others for a n offence o f terrorism, failed to disclose the information t o the relevant agency as soon as practicable, and
thereby committed a n offence contrary t o and punishable under Section 16(1)(b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
COUNT 9
That you, ABDULKADIR SANI, on o r about the 23rd day of September, 2025, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, indirectly retained the sum of N2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira) only in
your Jaiz Bank Account Number 0005620270 from A & A Express Link
Concept, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the
proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: terrorism financing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 1 8 (3) of the same Act.
COUNT 10
That you, BUKAR KASHIM GONI, in September, 2025, In Abuja, with in
the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira) only in your First Barık Account Number 3021511166 from A & A Express Link Concept, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of
u n unlawful act to wit: terrorism financing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) o f the
same Act.
COUNT 1 1
That you, ZEKERI UMORU, in September, 2025, in Abuja, within the
Jurisdiction o f this Honorable Court, without going through a financial
institution accepted a cash payment o f the sum o f N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) only from Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Maa’aji and thereby committed an offence contrary t o Sections 2(1)(a) and 19(1)(d)
o f the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) o f the same Act.
COUNT 12
That you, ZEKERI UMORU, in September, 2025, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N8,800,000.00 (Eight Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira)
only in your Zenith Bank PIc Account Number 2006041878, which sum you
reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: terrorism financing, and thereby committed a n offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) o f the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) o f the same Act.
COUNT 13
That you, INSPECTOR AHMED IBRAHIM, in September, 2025, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction o f this Honorable Court, directly took possession of the sum of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira) only from COLONEL MOHAMMED ALHASSAN MA’AJI (N/10668), which sum you reasonably
ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to terrorism financing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.
President Bola Tinubu has approved a minor reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council, removing the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, from their cabinet positions.
A statement on Tuesday by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga, said the development was contained in a memo signed by the
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
According to the memo, Taiwo Oyedele has been appointed as the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
Also appointed is Dr. Muttaqha Darma as Minister-designate for Housing and Urban Development.
The memo directed the outgoing ministers to complete handover processes to their respective successors or supervising officials.
It stated that all handing over and taking over activities must be concluded on or before the close of business on Thursday, 23rd April, 2026.
Explaining the decision, Akume said the changes were aimed at improving coordination and strengthening delivery across key sectors of the economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Akume stated.
He added that President Tinubu acted in line with his constitutional powers as provided under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The SGF also conveyed the President’s appreciation to the outgoing ministers for their service to the nation and wished them well in their future endeavours, noting that the process of cabinet reinvigoration would remain continuous.
The statement further noted that Taiwo Oyedele was appointed as Minister of State for Finance in March 2026, while Edun was among the ministers appointed on August 16, 2023.
There has been widespread criticism on social media following remarks of the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, encouraging a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Leke Abejide, to “stay in ADC and scatter them.”
The ADC is currently in a crisis as different factions are struggling to take control of the party.
Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, spoke at the 50th birthday party of the wife of Abejide in Abuja.
Video of the event, which surfaced online on Monday, showed Gbajabiamila urging the lawmaker, who belongs to Nafiu Bala faction of the party to remain within the party and intensify internal struggles.
In the viral clip, Gbajabiamila said: “I know you to be a committed party man. I know you to be a fighter. I know you to be someone who does not like to be cheated. So please, my charge to you is to stay in that same ADC. Fight them. Scatter them. Hold on to your party ADC. Do not abandon them.
“We like what you are doing. Continue. Don’t mind what the former governor said they will come and join APC. No, no, no. Stay in ADC. Win your re-election in ADC and you will. Bring Gombe, what’s his name again? Bala Gombe. Bring him. Do the right thing. You are a fighter. Do the right thing. Nobody can come and take your party away from you. A party that you’ve built with your sweat and your money and everything. Continue. Good luck in court.”
The remarks have triggered backlash online, with many Nigerians accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of promoting political interference and internal destabilisation of opposition parties.
On X, users expressed anger over Gbajabiamila’s comments, describing them as undemocratic and politically reckless.
Lapai Boy wrote: “They will not be a ruling party forever, let them enjoy it while it lasts.”
Oluwadamilare said: “Shame.. and that clueless man called bejide has family… No one can counsel him he is fight against democracy. APC is evil”
Charles Darwin posted:“Foolish people, I was seeing this man like a responsible person.”
Matthew Beckley added:“APC thinks dis is 2023, were Der Baba said snatch and grab it, Der eyes go clear
TrendPHD wrote:“Continue to push for the destruction of ADC, the people’s choice. It’ll never happen but your own downfall is imminent”
Isah Ishola criticised the development, saying: “This has further shows these people are only after politics of destruction, demonstrating their evil act publicly is so shameful, at least they should have some courtesy for the office of the president. They reduced the office of the pres!dent to nothing than business ventures..”
Another user Thanos wrote, “I don;t blame them, I blame INEC and the judiciary.”
A’man posted “He is blushing for being sent a dangerous work. Your end may likely not justify your means.
The controversy adds to ongoing debates about political conduct and party rivalry in Nigeria, especially as opposition parties continue to reorganise ahead of future electoral cycles. Daily Trust
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