Lagos, Nigeria — Nearly six months after the demolition of the Police Officers’ Wives Association Shopping Complex by the Nigeria Police Force, displaced traders continue to seek justice. The market was demolished on May 31, 2023, leaving many traders without a place to conduct their business.
According to witnesses, as reported by Elliptical News on January 1, 2024, the demolition involved at least four bulldozers, operated by armed police officers. Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi stated that the demolition was necessary to pave the way for a modern retail complex, following expert advice that the old complex posed significant environmental risks, including flooding and potential structural collapse.
Adejobi asserted that all legal requirements were fulfilled and that the traders had been given ample notice to vacate. However, the affected traders have accused the Managing Director of Achieving Greatness Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Ojibo, and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and his wife, Elizabeth Egbetokun, of violating a court order that halted the demolition.
In a statement on Monday, the traders announced they had initiated contempt proceedings against the IGP, his wife, and the developer for disobeying the court’s December 18, 2023, order, which restrained them from demolishing the property at 30-33 Otigba Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos State. They claim the demolition occurred despite the court order, displacing over 1000 computer and IT traders.
The traders reported that two members had died and others were suffering from health issues since the demolition. They lamented being treated like criminals despite being law-abiding citizens who paid taxes and rent. The traders emphasized that the building had passed an integrity test and was deemed fit for another 50 years, making the demolition unnecessary and inhumane.
As the displaced traders continue to seek justice, the impact of the demolition on their livelihoods remains a pressing concern.
