The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commenced investigation into alleged human rights violations contained in a petition filed by residents of Blue Roof Estate, Surulere Community, Alagbado, Lagos State.

The petition, dated May 5, and submitted by Akeem Aponmade, on behalf of the affected residents, was registered by the commission as case No. C/2026/CPR/1492/HQ.

The commission, in its official acknowledgment, confirmed receipt of the petition and assured the petitioners that the allegations would be investigated in line with its constitutional and statutory mandate.

According to Mr Aponmade, the residents alleged that between January 27 and February 26, 2026, more than 200 armed hoodlums invaded the community.

He alleged that the invasion was carried out on behalf of two lawyers, Ademola Akerele, and one Bolu Fakile.

He added that the operation was backed and sponsored by the Chairman of Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, Abiodun Ejigbadero.

Mr Aponmade further alleged that the invaders claimed they were executing a court order on behalf of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

“However, FHA later published a disclaimer denying any involvement in the purported execution, thereby contradicting claims made during the operation, ” he said.

The human rights lawyer said the residents alleged that they were subjected to harassment, intimidation and unlawful demolition of homes, fences and other structures.

“This led to the displacement of several families and disruption of livelihoods,” Mr Aponmade said.

The petition further alleged that one resident lost her life during the crisis, and that some residents were compelled under duress to pay up to N5 million naira into a private account.

They were also forced to sign undertakings for additional payments of N20 million, failing which they were threatened with total loss of their property.

According to him, the acts constitute clear violations of constitutionally guaranteed rights, including the right to life, the right to dignity of the human person.

He said the acts also violated the right to acquire and own property anywhere in Nigeria, and the right against compulsory acquisition of property without due process of law.

“Following complaints lodged by the FHA, some of the principal suspects were declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 Command.

“In spite of the police declaration, there was no visible or sustained effort to arrest and prosecute the suspects, raising concerns among residents over delays in the investigative process.

“The demolition and enforcement activities continued even after the suspects have been declared wanted and despite restraining orders issued by Justice D. T. Olatokun of the Lagos State High Court,” he said.

Mr Aponmade said the operations were carried out in the presence of officers of the police and the Lagos State Government task force, who were on the ground with operational vehicles.

He said the matter was subsequently brought back before the court, which issued a further order directing the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to immediately withdraw from the community.

The residents, through their counsel, presented six demands to the commission which included a call for an independent and thorough investigation into the invasion and to ensure that justice prevailed.

The residents also demanded that the commission facilitate the prosecution of perpetrators involved and also investigate the role of the security agencies during the incident.

The petition was accompanied by supporting documents, including an FHA publication disclaiming the agency’s involvement in the demolition; evidence of police investigation and declarations among others. (NAN)