Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has condemned the recent wave of house demolitions in Abuja and Lagos, arguing that such actions are illegal without a valid court order. In an interview with Arise Television, Falana stressed that the rule of law has been grossly violated and the judiciary undermined.
Falana noted that the demolitions, carried out at midnight despite existing court orders, are unconstitutional and infringe on the fundamental rights of property owners. He reminded that the Nigerian constitution requires a court order before any demolition can proceed and that authorities must follow due process.
Both Lagos and Abuja have Urban and Regional Planning laws that prescribe the procedures for demolition, including the issuance of statutory notices and the right of affected persons to appeal. Falana emphasized that these laws must be respected to protect citizens’ rights.
His comments come amid reports of widespread demolitions in the two cities, with many property owners allegedly receiving insufficient notice or compensation. The demolitions have raised concerns about abuse of power and disregard for the rule of law in Nigeria. Falana’s statement underscores the importance of upholding legal standards and respecting citizens’ rights, even amid urban development and regeneration efforts.
The issue of demolitions and property rights remains contentious in Nigeria, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability from government agencies. As the situation unfolds, it is unclear how authorities will respond to Falana’s criticisms or address the concerns of affected owners. The case carries significant implications for human‑rights protection and the rule of law in Nigeria and is likely to attract close scrutiny from civil‑society groups and the international community.
Comments are closed for this story.