Follow Us on Google
By Lukman Olabiyi
The management of Jesenem Iron & Steel Ltd has petitioned Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun over alleged unlawful demolition of its property and threats from officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
In a petition signed by its lawyer, Mr. Audu Augustine, the company requested a thorough investigation into the alleged threats and abuse of power that followed the demolition of its property located on Lagos–Ikorodu Road, Majidun area.
A similar petition was submitted to the Inspector General of Police.
The petition, dated July 30, 2024, describes an incident on July 29, 2024, where government officials, accompanied by armed soldiers, destroyed approximately 4,000 moulded blocks, opened and ruined 30 bags of cement by pouring water on them.
The following day, they returned the venue and destroyed additional 4,500 blocks and 70 bags of cement.
According to the petition, a total of 8,000 blocks and 800 bags of cement were destroyed.
Other News
The officials also allegedly dismantled kiosks, confiscated materials, and arrested over 12 workers at the site.
The company stated that it acquired the land legally from individual owners at Majidun Community. It stayed further that proper investigations were done in relevant government ministries, before the land was purchased.
The petition further said that the land, which is under government excision and has partial Governor’s Consent, does not interfere with any drainage or environmental concerns.
The firm contended that no physical work had begun on the land to justify the actions taken.
The petition described the destruction and intimidation as “barbaric and gangster-like,” asserting that such conduct undermined the reputation of the Lagos State Government as a pro-investor entity.
In addition to the property damage, the petition claimed that the officials looted the site, including stealing N250,000 intended for worker’s payments, and suggested that the actions of the officials contradict the Police Act’s mandate to protect life and property.
The petitioner urges both the Governor and the IGP to investigate the matter thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice to prevent future incidents.
