Detectives from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, Lagos, have arrested several police officers accused of providing protection to thugs attempting to demolish a warehouse located at 50A Industrial Estate, Morrison Crescent, Oregun, Alausa, Ikeja.
The operation was reportedly instigated by a woman claiming ownership of the property, despite ongoing legal disputes and a restraining order placed on the warehouse.
Landlord and co-owner, Mr. Babajide Doherty, alleged that the woman—originally a lessee under a 50-year sublease agreement signed in 2014—defaulted on rent payments and violated the lease by secretly subletting parts of the property without consent.
“She paid only N250,000 of the N445,750 due in the first year and made no further payments,” Doherty said, accusing her of subleasing sections to Wow Creamery Limited for $69 million and Svengali Designs Limited for N25 million.
Despite active suits at the Lagos High Court, Doherty claimed the woman used false claims to mislead security agencies and manipulate court processes to forcefully reclaim the property.
“She brought in thugs and policemen who chased out tenants, damaged property, and partly demolished the warehouse roof using a bulldozer,” he added.
Tenants also shared harrowing accounts. Mr. Anselem Tabansi of Svengali Designs Ltd. said he paid N25 million for a lease in 2021 but later received a letter discrediting the agent. Despite seeking clarification, he faced eviction threats and was even arrested based on false allegations.
“Furniture worth millions was destroyed when they removed the roof during a downpour,” Tabansi said.
Mrs. Zainab Akingbeyin, another tenant, described the situation as chaotic. “Thugs frequently stormed the warehouse, stole diesel, broke generators, and vandalised equipment,” she said.
The tenants and landlords have called on the police, EFCC, and Lagos State Government to fully investigate the attempted takeover, which they described as fraudulent and violent.
Spokesperson for the FCID, ASP Mayegun Aminat, confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
Efforts to contact the woman at the centre of the controversy were unsuccessful, as she did not answer calls and has reportedly changed her phone numbers.
