Maryam Aminu
A Lagos-based civil engineer, Mr. Macdonald Ejiofor Okwor from Enugu state, has expressed deep anguish over the demolition of his ₦500 million mansion by officials of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and operatives of the Lagos State Task Force at 6th Avenue, FESTAC Town, on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
Ejiofor, 48, described the incident as a devastating loss of “years of labour and dreams,” alleging that the demolition was carried out without due notice, even while his family was still inside the building.
According to him, FHA officials, policemen, and hired thugs stormed his property at Plot 1892, Route 65, Caravan Estate, with bulldozers, pulling down the multi-million-naira structure despite an existing court order mandating all parties to maintain the status quo in an ongoing ownership dispute.
He said he legally acquired the land from the Kuje family in 2016, based on a Federal High Court ruling that favoured the family’s ownership of the area. However, he began facing challenges after moving into the property nine months ago when a lawyer claimed to have been allotted the same plot by the FHA.
“They came with bulldozers while my wife was still inside,” Ejiofor recounted tearfully. “People were shouting, telling them someone was in the house, but they ignored them. My furniture, machines, documents, and passports were all buried under the debris.”
Ejiofor also alleged that when he attempted to access the property the next day, Task Force operatives arrested him, his wife, and his brother, accusing them of obstructing the operation. He claimed they were beaten, detained at the Task Force cell in Oshodi, and forced to sign an undertaking not to return to the property.
When Vanguard visited the area, over 15 buildings had already been reduced to rubble as bulldozers continued pulling down structures along 6th Avenue and adjoining roads. Traders were seen hurriedly salvaging goods, while others watched helplessly beside the wreckage.
Several residents accused the FHA of selective demolition, alleging that some privately developed buildings were targeted while others were spared.
A former Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, Mr. Paul Nwosu, described the exercise as inhumane and lacking due process.
“If you look closely, you’ll see clear setbacks. These buildings align with others that weren’t touched,” Nwosu said. “Destroying people’s investments without notice is wicked. Even if they didn’t have permits, they could have been asked to regularize.”
Reacting to the allegations, the Lagos State Task Force denied claims that its operatives brutalized residents or arbitrarily arrested Ejiofor’s family.
According to a statement signed by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, those arrested were individuals who allegedly attacked officials with stones and dangerous objects in an attempt to stop the lawful demolition.
“Preventing law enforcement officers from performing their duties is a criminal offence,” said CSP Adetayo Akerele, the Task Force Chairman, who also warned against attempts to bribe officials during enforcement operations.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has distanced itself from the demolition, stating that it was not involved in the exercise.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, clarified that the state government follows strict procedures before carrying out any demolition, which include proper notice and engagement with affected persons.
“Any demolition done without authorization from the state does not represent this administration’s position,” Dr. Olumide emphasized.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) were unsuccessful. However, some FHA concessionaires who spoke off record claimed that the demolished properties were not acquired from the Authority, urging the affected owners to produce valid ownership documents.
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