How Over 400 Suspected Land Grabbers Invaded Alimosho Estates, Extorting Residents And Vandalising Property

Residents of Santos Layout, Valley Estate and adjoining communities in the Alimosho area of Lagos State have accused suspected land grabbers and hundreds of armed thugs of unleashing terror on their neighbourhood while enforcing a disputed court judgment.

The residents alleged that homes and businesses were vandalised during the operation.

They claimed that shops were sealed, buildings damaged and property destroyed during the three-day operation.

Speaking with news men , a resident, Funmilola Ajayi, alleged that several shops and business premises were forcibly shut, while the roofs of some structures were removed.

“The thugs were very violent when they came into the area on Thursday. They locked some shops and removed the roofs of several buildings, including a sawmill. Some owners who settled them have reopened their businesses, while those who refused to pay still have their shops locked,” she alleged.

The auditor of the Santos Layout Phase 1 Residents’ Association, Saburi Odunmbaku, maintained that the estate was lawfully established and approved by the Lagos State Government in 1976.

According to him, neither the estate nor its residents were parties to the court case being relied upon by those enforcing the judgment.

“Santos Layout was approved by the Lagos State Government in 1976, and over 300 houses were built with government approval. We were never parties to the suit from which these people claim to have obtained judgment.

“We did not derive our title from them. If there is any dispute, let everyone return to court. Someone cannot wake up after we have lived here for over 15 years and ask us to vacate our homes because of a judgment in a case we knew nothing about,” he said.

Odunmbaku said the enforcement affected Santos Layout Phases 1 and 2, Valley Estate, Ajimotoko, Alimotu, Aluminium Village and other adjoining communities, adding that some banks and business premises were also shut.

He further alleged that about 400 armed thugs stormed the communities during the operation.

 

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“They came in their hundreds. They were violent, armed with bottles and smoking openly. Anyone who questioned or challenged them was beaten.

“There was even a journalist they assaulted. Whenever they saw residents recording videos, they seized their phones and smashed them. That was what happened on Thursday and Friday.

“The police were there throughout. We were told they had been deployed to maintain peace and order, but the hoodlums carried on with the attacks. The situation remained tense from Thursday to Saturday before it eventually calmed down,” he alleged.

The suspected thugs were also alleged to have assaulted The Guardian correspondent, Eniola Daniel, and forced him to delete footage during the operation.

Residents further claimed that other journalists at the scene were forced to flee for safety.

In a video obtained by PUNCH Metro, another resident accused the suspected thugs of invading homes and destroying property indiscriminately.

“These people are entering our houses and breaking our gates without restraint. Is it until they start sleeping with our wives before the government acts? We don’t trust the police or the military anymore. They even told us the courts are not sitting now, so what are we supposed to do? We are begging the government to come to our aid. Some of the hoodlums came with bottles, and some even carried guns apart from the police officers who were there,” the resident said.

Another resident, Oshobodu Oluwabukola, said the community had sought the intervention of the lawmaker representing the area but claimed the attacks continued despite assurances.

According to her, the suspected thugs returned the following day in larger numbers and removed one of the estate’s gates.

“We met Honourable Akin-Johnson, and he asked us to be patient while he looked into the matter with his legal team. But despite that, they returned. We have videos and pictures of them.

“They vandalised houses in Valley Estate and Santos Layout and even carted away an entire gate. This morning they returned in even larger numbers. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu should please come to our rescue. We bought our land legally, we live here and we have Certificates of Occupancy. Please help us,” she pleaded.

Another video seen by PUNCH Metro showed suspected thugs pulling down the gate of one of the properties while moving around the premises in large numbers.

A woman, whose voice was heard in the footage, raised the alarm as she accused the invaders of damaging her property and taking away some of her belongings.

“They came to our compound and broke the fence and gate of our house, which has a Certificate of Occupancy,” she lamented.

The woman was also seen struggling with one of the suspected invaders over a shovel he allegedly attempted to remove from the compound.

However, the attorney to the Yaku family, Alhaji Hassan Ali, dismissed the residents’ allegations, insisting that the operation was a lawful execution of a valid court judgment carried out by court officials.

Ali told PUNCH Metro that the Yaku family had been involved in litigation over the disputed land for several years and eventually secured judgment in its favour, making it the lawful owner of the property.

“This is purely a judgment enforcement issue. The Yaku family are the judgment creditors. They won the case against some other families and subsequently obtained an order for possession from the court.

“It was the court sheriff who took possession and locked the affected properties. Whoever owns the land owns everything on it. If anyone believes they have a better title than the Yaku family, they should challenge the judgment in court because all the relevant documents are available,” he said.

The lawyer also dismissed allegations of violence and intimidation during the enforcement, describing the operation as peaceful.

“They can say whatever they like, but the owner of the land is the Yaku family. This was a lawful execution of a court judgment and a peaceful possession exercise,” he said.

Ali further denied claims that a journalist was assaulted during the operation.

“There is nothing like that. The journalist was not assaulted by anyone enforcing the judgment. He was challenged by one of the residents while making a video. Reports alleging that enforcement officials attacked him are false,” he added.

He maintained that any aggrieved party should seek legal redress rather than challenge the court-backed enforcement.

  

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Lagos Arrests 27 Over Bridge Vandalism

The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums for allegedly vandalising a newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija during a midnight enforcement operation.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement, saying the arrests followed the discovery of what he described as a “disturbing act of vandalism” beneath the bridge.

According to Wahab, investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other components critical to the bridge’s structural integrity.

 

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He said, “Investigations revealed that suspected hoodlums had deliberately vandalised critical structural components of the bridge by removing iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables, and other supporting materials essential to the integrity of the infrastructure.”

Wahab warned that the destruction of the bridge components posed a major safety risk.

“This criminal act poses a serious threat to public safety and undermines the government’s investment in critical infrastructure,” he said.

The commissioner said a joint midnight enforcement operation involving operatives of the Rapid Response Squad and the Kick Against Indiscipline task force led to the suspects’ arrest.

He added, “The operation led to the arrest of 27 suspected hoodlums, who will be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State.”

Reaffirming the government’s resolve to protect public assets, Wahab said enforcement operations against vandals and other offenders would continue.

“The Lagos State Government remains committed to protecting public infrastructure and will continue to take decisive action against individuals or groups engaged in acts of vandalism, environmental infractions, and other criminal activities that threaten the safety and wellbeing of residents,” he stated.

  

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LASTMA Partners Stakeholders To Boost Traffic Discipline In Ifako-Ijaiye

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring traffic discipline across the state through stronger collaboration with communities and other stakeholders.

The assurance came when members of the Ifako-Ijaiye Leaders of Thoughts Association paid a courtesy visit to the agency’s headquarters in Oshodi to explore areas of partnership on traffic management and public enlightenment.
The delegation, made up of community leaders, professionals and stakeholders from Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, commended LASTMA for its efforts in tackling traffic congestion despite the growing transportation challenges in Lagos.

Speaking during the meeting, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, thanked the association for supporting the agency’s vision of promoting voluntary compliance with traffic laws through public awareness, strategic partnerships and civic responsibility.

Bakare-Oki said restoring order on Lagos roads requires more than enforcement, stressing that residents, community groups, traditional rulers, religious organisations, transport unions and other stakeholders all have important roles to play.

 

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He noted that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to building a safer and more efficient transport system, adding that LASTMA has continued to improve its operations through personnel training, technology, intelligence-driven traffic management and public sensitisation.

The LASTMA boss also called for greater community participation in tackling traffic offences such as indiscriminate parking, one-way driving and road obstruction, which he said continue to hinder the free flow of traffic across the state.
He assured the delegation that the agency would deepen its engagement with Community Development Associations, professional bodies and civil society organisations to improve compliance with traffic regulations and strengthen public confidence.

Earlier, President of the Ifako-Ijaiye Leaders of Thoughts Association, Chief Jonathan Tawose, praised the agency’s leadership, describing LASTMA as a critical institution in promoting road safety, traffic orderliness and sustainable urban mobility in Lagos.

Tawose pledged the association’s support for LASTMA through grassroots advocacy, public sensitisation and stakeholder engagement aimed at encouraging motorists, commercial transport operators and pedestrians to obey traffic regulations.

Both parties agreed to sustain dialogue and expand joint public enlightenment campaigns to promote traffic discipline and support the Lagos State Government’s transportation agenda.

  

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Lagos State Hands Out Business Tools To 3,800 Residents To Drive Local Enterprise

The Lagos State Government has distributed start-up business equipment to more than 3,800 residents through the 2026 edition of its Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI), in a renewed bid to tackle poverty and foster economic inclusion.

The empowerment event, organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), took place at De Blue Roof, Lagos Television (LTV), Agidingbi, Ikeja.

The gathering brought together state executives, lawmakers, community and market leaders and hundreds of beneficiaries from across the metropolis.

Delivering his keynote address, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, framed the initiative as a central pillar of his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda, which seeks to boost self-reliance and local job creation.

“Empowering entrepreneurs not only strengthens families but also stimulates job creation, supports small businesses, and contributes significantly to the socio-economic development of Lagos State,” Sanwo-Olu said, adding that the initiative ensures hardworking residents can access tools to elevate their standard of living regardless of their social standing.

 

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Supporting the Governor’s remarks, Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat described micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the true backbone of the state’s economy.

Meanwhile, the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, urged the recipients, particularly women and vulnerable family members to leverage the assets to achieve financial independence.

Chair of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,
Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon, alongside the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, praised the program’s grassroots impact and its role in practical poverty reduction.

Addressing the audience, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,  Cecilia Dada, explained that MESI was specifically designed to bridge the gap between vocational training and actual enterprise development.

“While our tuition-free Skills Acquisition Centres continue to equip residents with vocational and entrepreneurial skills, the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative provides beneficiaries with the tools required to establish or expand their businesses,” Dada said.

According to statistics released by the Ministry: “35,101 residents have graduated from tuition-free Skills Acquisition Centres under the current administration.

18,990 beneficiaries have received business equipment via MESI to date.

18,241 individuals in grassroots and riverine areas have benefited from the Life Skills and Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP).

Over 5,500 widows have received direct financial grants to support their trade.

4,040 vulnerable families have been reached through the Ounjẹ Lọ Rẹ Awo Food and Nutrition Programme.”

The commissioner added that WAPA’s wider interventions encompass digital skills schemes, annual menstrual hygiene campaigns, agricultural projects at the Avia Farm in Badagry and legal and economic support for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

Beneficiaries at Tuesday’s event departed with a broad range of commercial equipment, including sewing machines, hairdressing and barbing kits, deep freezers, cameras, industrial gas burners, vulcanising machines, pepper grinders and raw food trade stock. Officials urged recipients to use the assets responsibly, scale their ventures, and contribute to the state’s broader economic growth.

  

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Lagos PDP Condemns Wike’s Remarks Against Bode George

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, describing his recent remarks against party chieftain Olabode George as “baseless, reckless and ignorant.”

In a statement issued in Lagos and signed by the Lagos State PDP Publicity Secretary, Prince Dr. Christopher Odianarewo, the party accused the minister of making unfounded allegations against George and urged him to focus on his responsibilities in the FCT rather than engaging in what it described as political attacks.

The party defended George’s record, insisting that he had been exonerated by the Supreme Court over allegations relating to his tenure as Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Board. It accused Wike of disregarding judicial decisions whenever they did not align with his political interests.

 

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The statement also faulted Wike’s comments regarding George’s residence in Maitama, Abuja, describing them as an abuse of office and an unwarranted intrusion into the private affairs of a citizen.

According to the PDP, Wike had no connection to the property and should not use his position as FCT minister to intimidate or target 

private individuals

. It further alleged that the minister had a history of overstepping his authority and interfering in matters outside his official responsibilities.

On Lagos politics, the party accused Wike of lacking an understanding of the state’s political history. It maintained that George played a significant role in the PDP’s electoral successes in the South while serving as the party’s National Vice Chairman (South), adding that Wike was politically less influential at the time.

The statement also referenced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, claiming he had previously acknowledged the role internal party dynamics played in the PDP’s electoral fortunes in Lagos.

The Lagos PDP further accused Wike of political inconsistency, alleging that he had fallen out with several former political associates, including Peter Odili, Rotimi Amaechi and Goodluck Jonathan.

It argued that Wike had developed a reputation for political confrontations and suggested that his current relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was one of political convenience.

The party called on the minister to refrain from making further remarks against George, urging him instead to concentrate on administering the Federal Capital Territory.

“Focus on your responsibilities in the FCT and stop dragging Chief Bode George into political controversies,” the statement said.

  

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Africa’s First Wheelchair Fencing Academy Opens In Lagos

The Nigeria Fencing Federation has launched the first-ever Wheelchair Fencing Academy in Africa, welcoming participants from across the globe to the 2026 ENABLE Wheelchair Fencing Academy, hosted by World Abilitysport in collaboration with the Commonwealth Fencing Federation.

Running from Wednesday, August 5 to Friday, August 7 at Rugby School Nigeria, Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos, the Academy will welcome athletes, coaches, referees, and volunteers from Liberia, Gambia, Brazil, Namibia, the USA/ UK, Rwanda, Togo, Botswana, and host nation Nigeria.

ENABLE—short for Empowering New Abilities—is REACH Africa’s inclusion initiative dedicated to transforming lives through adaptive sport, education, leadership, and opportunity. The programme aims to create sustainable pathways for persons with disabilities to participate, compete, and excel in wheelchair fencing, while promoting inclusion across communities.

Over three days, participants will receive intensive training in fencing techniques, coaching methodologies, competition rules, athlete classification, and officiating.

A dedicated referee education seminar will also be delivered.

 

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The programme is led by Tonye Sawari, Programme Lead for the ENABLE Initiative, coordinating preparations for Nigeria’s Para team and Commonwealth nations ahead of the Championships. Training sessions will be conducted by Ivan Schwantes, World Para Fencing Coaching Representative, alongside international educators committed to expanding wheelchair fencing across Africa and the Commonwealth.

Following the Academy, athletes will compete in individual and team events in foil and epee during the Commonwealth Championships.

 Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Harry Cootes, Acting Chief Executive Officer of World Abilitysport, said, “A driving force behind our work is ensuring that fencing is accessible to as many people with disabilities as possible. The Wheelchair Fencing Academy, now in its fifth year, has created opportunities for athletes and coaches in emerging nations, and we are excited to bring that impact to Africa for the very first time.”

 REACH Africa Chairperson, Rachael Samuel, described the launch of ENABLE as a defining moment for inclusive sport in Nigeria: “ENABLE represents far more than a training programme. It is a commitment to ensuring that every young person, regardless of physical ability, has access to opportunity, dignity, and excellence through sport.

 “By partnering with World Abilitysport, the Commonwealth Fencing Federation, and the Nigeria Fencing Federation, we are building a sustainable pathway that identifies talent, develops coaches, empowers communities, and creates future Paralympians.”

 The ENABLE Academy is part of REACH Africa’s broader mission to use education, sport, and skills development to transform lives while creating sustainable opportunities for underserved communities. As

 Nigeria prepares to host athletes and officials from across the Commonwealth, the Academy and Championships are expected to leave a lasting legacy—expanding wheelchair fencing, developing local expertise, and demonstrating Africa’s commitment to inclusive sport and equal opportunity for all.

  

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My Father Did not Care About Earthly Recognition- Daughter Of RCCG's Founder, Pastor Titilayo Adewale, Debunks Claims Of Criticizing The Church Over Her Father's Legacy

A daughter of the founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Titilayo Adewale, has denied claims that she criticised the church’s leadership for allegedly sidelining the legacy of her late father, Pa Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi.

In a statement released on her Facebook page on Monday, Adewale described as false a viral statement attributed to her, which claimed that many senior pastors in the RCCG were unaware that her father founded the church and that she had called for greater efforts to preserve his legacy.
she said, “My attention has been drawn to a statement attributed to me regarding The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor E.A. Adeboye and the legacy of my father.

“I want to clarify that the statement attributed to me is not from me, either implicitly or explicitly.”

She said her father never sought earthly recognition and would not have been concerned about whether his name or image appeared on church buildings or institutions.

 

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“For the record, Baba’s image or no image on any edifice on earth is nothing compared to making Heaven with his full face being recognised,” she said.

According to her, the greatest legacy her father left behind was people, not physical structures.

“Regarding legacy, the most significant legacy is not buildings or institutions but individuals. My father consistently believed in building people rather than merely constructing buildings,” she stated.

Adewale recalled that her father was reluctant to own personal property during his lifetime, saying it would be inconsistent to suggest that he desired public recognition through monuments.

“He never believed in acquiring wealth or earthly possessions. It was a challenge to convince my father to own a building because he was not convinced of its value.

“If he was unwilling to own a personal residence, how could he or any child be bothered if his name is not associated with buildings or institutions? It doesn’t add up.”

She argued that the viral reports were not about her, her father or the leadership of the church, but were aimed at creating unnecessary controversy and division.

“In my opinion, this news and similar ones are not about me, my father or even the leadership of the RCCG. Instead, they are intended to create unnecessary arguments and discord.

“Their purpose is to divert attention from the divine work being carried out and sow discord among us.”

She urged those behind the reports to stop spreading what she described as false narratives and warned them against further misinformation.

Adewale also expressed support for the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, praying for wisdom and strength for him, his family and the church’s leadership.

“I pray for continued support and strength for Pastor E.A. Adeboye and his family. I pray that God will enhance the wisdom of the leadership of the RCCG.

“Wishing the RCCG family worldwide a successful convention. Shalom!” she said.

  

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How Hoodlums Stole Guests’ Phones During My Wedding – Peller

Popular TikTok personality Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, has alleged that suspected hoodlums stole mobile phones belonging to some guests during his traditional wedding in Lagos.

Peller made the claim during a TikTok livestream on Monday, saying the incidents happened outside the wedding venue while the ceremony was taking place.

According to him, several guests later reached out to complain that their phones were snatched by suspected agberos gathered around the area.

The content creator said he had already spent a considerable amount compensating some of the affected guests by replacing the stolen devices.

He blamed the thefts on the large number of hoodlums who allegedly crowded the surroundings of the venue.

“Agbero don occupy Lagos. No be small. Agbero plenty pass guests wey come to my wedding. Agbero plenty outside. People wey come say dem dey snatch their phones. Una know how many phone I don pay for?” he said.

Peller also recounted that a female guest reportedly had her phone stolen immediately after arriving at the entrance.

 

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“One girl, as she reach, na so dem snatch her phone for gate. Dem run away,” he added.

He further claimed that there was another disturbance outside the venue involving a road accident while he was inside celebrating with guests.

“Me wey I dey inside hall dey do my wedding, na so them say I kill person. Agbero stay for front of car. Them say comot, he no gree. The car owner vex con jam am,” he said.

Reflecting on the experience, Peller said he would not allow a similar situation during his white wedding scheduled for August 8.

“No worry, my white wedding no go be like the way una do that day. Na so I see one video wey car go jam one guy,” he said.

He had earlier announced that the white wedding would be a strictly private event with only 100 invited guests and that security personnel would be deployed to prevent unauthorised persons from gathering around the venue.

Peller and his partner, Elizabeth Amadou, popularly known as Jarvis, held their traditional wedding in Lagos on Saturday in a ceremony tagged #JP2026. The event drew celebrities, social media influencers and thousands of online viewers.

The wedding attracted significant public attention after the couple received several high-value gifts. Socialite Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, gifted them N10 million, while American TikTok personality Gregory Pizarro Jr. reportedly presented Peller with $20,000.

They also received a plot of land in Abuja valued at N150 million from real estate entrepreneur Lawrence Emmanuel and a fully furnished mansion in Abuja’s Life Camp area reportedly worth N400 million from businessman King Ochacho.

Guests at the ceremony included actress Iyabo Ojo, singer Zinoleesky, Priscilla Ojo and her husband, Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, Daddy Freeze, Papaya Ex, Tee Dollar, Aunty Ramota and other celebrities and content creators. Fuji musician Sule Alao Malaika performed at the event.

  

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Area Boys Damaged My Car - Ayra Starr’s Sister Cries Out

The younger sister of Afrobeats star Ayra Starr, Saltiana, popularly known as DJ Salt of Life, says suspected area boys damaged her car in Lagos after mistaking her for the singer.

Saltiana made the claim in a series of posts shared on her Instagram Story on Sunday, where she lamented what she described as growing harassment of motorists by street touts in the state.

According to the DJ, the incident occurred on Saturday, leaving her saddened by the damage to her vehicle.

“They damaged my car yesterday and honestly it was so sad!!!” she wrote.

She said the situation became more upsetting because the men repeatedly shouted Ayra Starr’s name, believing she was the award-winning singer.

“And the fact that they kept shouting Ayra Starr because they thought I was her made it even worse. THIS HAS TO STOP,” she said.

 

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Expressing concern over what she described as a growing trend, Saltiana said motorists driving expensive vehicles in Lagos are often targeted by street touts demanding money.

“Imagine, this is what happens now in Lagos once you drive a nice car. These Agberos/Area Boys won’t let you go except you give them money. If you don’t give them, they might stone your car and break something. So basically, it’s by force.”

The damaged car

Calling for urgent action, she added, “This is not good. How can this be controlled because it’s getting out of hand?”

Saltiana, whose stage name is DJ Salt of Life, works as a disc jockey and backup singer.

Meanwhile, music producer and disc jockey Imohiosen Patrick, popularly known as DJ Neptune, also raised concerns over the activities of suspected area boys in Lagos.

In a post on X on Monday, he recounted an encounter with a group of hoodlums while leaving content creator Peller’s wedding on Saturday.

“A bunch of these agberos/hoodlums tried to mob me as I was leaving Peller’s wedding. It took confidence to navigate my way out. Those guys no get joy at all,” he wrote.

Calling for government intervention, DJ Neptune added, “Lagos State Government needs react real quick about these agberos or hoodlums chasing people and their cars on the street of Lagos. We’ve been dealing with beggars on the road and now this. Make person no go crash or innocently get involved in an accident.”

Both comments come amid growing concerns over the activities of suspected area boys in parts of Lagos.

  

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