Justice Ejiro Kubenje of the Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos has discharged 13 residents who faced trial over alleged offences connected to protests against the demolition of homes in Oworonshoki.
The defendants had been arraigned in relation to demonstrations following the demolition of over 70 residential structures along Ajileru, Ososa Extension, and Toluwalase streets. Residents had raised concerns over displacement, inadequate notice and compensation, and alleged heavy-handed treatment by security operatives during earlier protests.
The court’s decision comes after the Lagos State Government had distributed compensation to affected residents, with more than 100 receiving funds in batches to help them recover from the demolition. Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency’s General Manager, Animashaun Oladimeji, noted that further compensation would be disbursed in additional batches.
Speaking for the Take It Back Movement (TIBM), counsel Bolaji Oluwatosin praised the court’s ruling, calling it a victory for the 13 residents and a reinforcement of Nigerians’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly under Section 40. He added that the outcome underscores the resilience of ordinary citizens in defending their homes and rights.
