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The Nigeria Policy Group has condemned the reported demolition and alleged unlawful seizure of a private property at No. 12 Tumbuli Road, Ikoyi, Lagos State, calling on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to launch an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident, particularly the alleged involvement of police officers.
The Group described the development as a matter of serious concern, warning that allegations of complicity by public officials and members of the Nigeria Police Force raise fundamental questions about the protection of private property rights, respect for the rule of law and the integrity of public institutions.
In a press statement signed by Prince Ike on behalf of the Nigeria Policy Group, the organisation expressed concern over allegations that officials and individuals linked to a Lagos State property development agency, alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, were involved in activities surrounding the property.
It specifically urged the Inspector-General of Police to establish the identities of the officers reportedly present at the property, the authority under which they operated, the purpose of their involvement and whether their actions complied with established police procedures and applicable laws.
The Group maintained that the Nigeria Police Force has a constitutional and institutional responsibility to protect lives, property and citizens’ rights, stressing that the institution must not be perceived as an instrument of intimidation, unlawful dispossession or the advancement of private interests.
It warned that any police officer found to have abused the authority of his or her office must be held accountable in accordance with the law.
The organisation also called on the Lagos State Government and the relevant property development agency to publicly explain the legal basis for the reported demolition and subsequent activities at the property.
According to the Group, if the authorities acted in accordance with due process, they should provide clear explanations and supporting documentation to establish the legality of their actions. However, where due process was not followed, appropriate corrective measures and accountability should be pursued.
Outlining its demands, the Nigeria Policy Group called for an immediate and impartial investigation by the IGP, the identification of all police officers and other individuals involved in the incident, and disclosure of the authority under which they acted.
It further demanded a comprehensive explanation from the Lagos State Government and the relevant property development agency on the legal grounds for the demolition and subsequent activities at the property.
The Group also called for appropriate sanctions against anyone found to have acted unlawfully or abused public office, while urging the relevant authorities to put measures in place to prevent further interference with the property pending the conclusion of a proper investigation.
The organisation appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the matter receives the necessary attention, insisting that the protection of citizens’ property rights and the enforcement of the rule of law must not be determined by political influence, financial standing or social connections.
It stressed that every Nigerian deserves equal protection under the law, regardless of status or background, warning that public institutions must remain accountable to the citizens they are established to serve.
The Nigeria Policy Group reiterated that Nigeria must remain a country where the law applies equally to everyone and where no citizen is left vulnerable to alleged abuses of power.
“The law must protect every citizen, and nobody should be above it,” the Group declared.
