By Akinwale Kasali
Justice F.N. Ogazi of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, has restrained the Lagos State Government, its agencies, and the Nigeria Police Force from carrying out any further unlawful demolitions or evictions in the Makoko, Oko-Agbon, Sogunro, and Iwaya waterfront communities of the State.
The Judge delivering a landmark judgment in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/70/2025, granted an injunction to protect the settlements, citing the “continuous threat and fear of imminent demolition” faced by residents.
The Court ruled that the Government, its agents, and other respondents must cease all threats or actions aimed at displacing the communities.
The decision follows years of tension between the waterfront residents—predominantly Gunuvi (Egun) fisherfolk—and the State Government, which has been accused of forcefully acquiring the land for Private Development without compensation or resettlement plans.
According to Counsel for the Community, Barrister Femi F. Dodo, the State allocated the disputed land to FBT Coral Limited for the construction of Luxury Apartments, jeopardizing the livelihoods and heritage of the indigenous people.
Justice Ogazi also awarded the sum of ₦3.5 Billion in damages against the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force for previous demolitions, ongoing threats, and the unlawful killing of a Community leader.
The judgment further restrains police from harassing Local Fishermen carrying out their traditional work on the Lagos Lagoon.
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