By Peter Omopo
A Magistrate Court sitting in Yaba, Lagos State, has discharged 13 residents of Oworonshoki who were arraigned over alleged offences linked to protests against the demolition of houses in their community.
Justice Ejiro Kubenje freed the defendants, who had been standing trial following demonstrations that trailed the demolition of more than 70 residential structures at Ajileru, Ososa Extension and Toluwalase streets in Oworonshoki.
The demolition exercise had sparked widespread outrage among residents, who alleged displacement, lack of adequate notice and compensation, as well as heavy-handed treatment by security operatives during earlier protests. The exercise was carried out days after a Lagos High Court order restrained the state government and its agencies from further demolition in the area.
Subsequently, the Lagos State Government announced compensation for affected residents, with over 100 individuals reportedly receiving payments in batches. The General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, Animashaun Oladimeji, said the distribution would continue in phases to accommodate more beneficiaries.
Reacting to the court’s decision, counsel to the defendants, Bolaji Oluwatosin, who represented them on behalf of the Take It Back Movement, described the ruling as a victory for constitutional rights. He said the dismissal of the charges affirmed citizens’ right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution.
He added that while the judgment marked a significant milestone for the affected residents, the broader call for accountability and protection of citizens’ rights remains ongoing.
