The Lagos State Government (LASG) on Monday held a media update to address the ongoing controversy surrounding the demolition of structures in the Makoko waterfront community, emphasizing safety concerns and announcing a $2 million redevelopment plan to support affected residents. NaijaChoice News report.

The briefing, which took place at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, featured key officials including representatives from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, who defended the exercise as necessary for public safety and urban planning. According to the government, the demolitions, which began in late December 2025, targeted illegal structures built under high-tension power lines and in violation of environmental regulations, displacing over 10,000 people in the historic fishing settlement.

During the update, officials clarified that the operation was not a wholesale demolition of Makoko but a targeted removal of unsafe buildings. “Makoko was not fully demolished; there was a targeted removal of structures that were built within the radius of high tension,” a state representative stated, addressing widespread misconceptions. They insisted that multiple notices had been issued since 2024, with extensions granted throughout 2025 to allow for voluntary compliance.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through his spokespersons, accused some local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of exploiting the situation for financial gain, claiming their opposition was profit-driven rather than rooted in genuine concern for residents. “The state government has no interest in destroying people’s homes without reason; this is strictly about public safety and infrastructure protection,” the governor was quoted as saying.

In response to the backlash, including reports of police using expired tear gas on protesters and allegations of excessive force, the LASG unveiled a $2 million redevelopment plan aimed at resettling displaced families and improving the area’s infrastructure. The initiative includes provisions for temporary housing, vocational training for fishermen, and environmental upgrades to mitigate flooding risks in the lagoon community.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, criticised the police tactics, alleging the use of expired tear gas during clashes with demonstrators. Meanwhile, a coalition of advocacy groups reported that more than 3,000 homes have been destroyed, leaving families like one with 5-month-old twins to live in wooden canoes amid the rainy season.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has scheduled a meeting with Makoko community leaders on Tuesday, February 3, to discuss the demolitions and potential relief measures, following a petition from affected residents. This comes amid growing calls from global rights organisations to halt the exercise, citing violations of court orders and international human rights standards.

As earlier reported by NaijaChoice News, the demolitions have sparked widespread outcry, with residents dismantling their own structures in fear of further action and activists accusing the government of disregarding vulnerable communities. Makoko, established in the 19th century, has faced similar threats in the past, often halted by public pressure.

The government maintains that the actions are part of broader efforts to ensure sanitation and security, while promising that the redevelopment plan will bring long-term benefits to the area. Residents, however, continue to plead for reduced demolition scopes and immediate humanitarian aid.

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Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, and renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has stated that military officers accused of plotting a coup against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot be tried by court-martial under Nigeria’s democratic system.

Falana stressed that such suspects must instead be prosecuted in civilian courts in line with constitutional provisions.

He made this clarification during an interview on national television, where he addressed growing public debate over the appropriate legal framework for handling alleged coup attempts in a democratic setting.

According to Falana, Nigeria is no longer under military rule and that the constitution clearly outlines how crimes against an elected government should be prosecuted.

“We are under a democratic government, and as far as the constitution is concerned, we have to take them to a high court,” Falana said.

“The soldiers cannot be court-martialed, they are not trying to remove a military dictator. It’s an attempt to remove an elected government, a constitutional government, to disrupt the constitutional arrangement,” he stated.

The human rights lawyers, explained that “court-martial proceedings are designed primarily for breaches of military discipline and offenses committed strictly within the military hierarchy.

“However, when the alleged offense amounts to treason or an attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government, the matter transcends internal military discipline and becomes a constitutional crime against the state.”

Falana noted that prosecuting such cases through military tribunals would be inconsistent with democratic principles and could undermine the supremacy of the constitution.

“Treason and treasonable felony are offenses clearly defined under Nigerian law and fall squarely within the jurisdiction of civilian courts,” he maintained.

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On the 1st of February 2026, Igbanke kings and their people, Ndi Na Asu Bia Socio Cultural Organization, the Igbo unification movement and other indigenous Igbo communities in edo state, paid Senator Ned Nwoko a visit in his house at Idumuje Ugboko community concerning Anioma state creation and boundary adjustment.

Anioma state is coming and every Igbo community in edo state shall be part of Anioma state through boundary adjustment.
It’s a done deal because everything is going as planned ✅

Congratulations to Anioma people.
Congratulations to Igbanke and other Igbos in edo state.
Congratulations to Igbo nation.

We must continue.

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