Nigeria: Dislodged traders lament delayed justice over Lagos market demolition

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Nearly two years after the demolition of the Police Officers’ Wives Association Shopping Complex in Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos, aggrieved traders are still seeking justice. The traders, who lost their shops and goods worth millions of naira, have expressed deep frustration over the slow pace of court proceedings in their case against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and others.

 four bulldozers escorted by armed police officers demolished the complex, leaving shop owners shocked and devastated. The traders claim that the demolition was unjust and forced them to seek legal redress. Despite the Nigeria Police Force’s insistence that the complex was allocated to the wives and relatives of police officers, the traders argue that justice has not been served.

The case has been delayed due to the promotion of the initial judge assigned to it, and a new judge is yet to take over. One of the aggrieved traders, Olufemi, lamented that the substantive case has not even begun, and construction has resumed on the land despite a pending court injunction. The traders are struggling to pay lawyers and transport themselves to court, with some having lost everything, including their lives and livelihoods.

Another affected trader, Obinna, popularly known as Obiwest, stated that the prolonged court process is exacerbating their situation, draining them financially, physically, and mentally. The traders are appealing for justice and compensation for their losses.

Traders are struggling to pay lawyers and transport themselves to court.

Construction Despite Injunctio Building has resumed o the land despite a pending court injunction.

Traders have lost their shops, goods, and investments worth millions of naira.