Lagos Taskforce Refutes 'Unjust Arrest' Claims in Festac Demolition Clash

The Lagos State Taskforce has strongly denied claims circulating in a viral video that its officers unjustly arrested residents during a recent demolition exercise conducted by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) in Festac Town.

The agency issued a statement to counter a video in which a woman identifying herself as "Oneway" alleged that her husband and others were wrongly detained at 6th Avenue, Ifanyi Close.

The Taskforce stated categorically that the individuals arrested were apprehended for attacking Taskforce officials with stones and other dangerous objects.

According to the official account, the woman’s husband led the assault, mobilizing others to obstruct the lawful demolition of structures that had encroached on FHA property.

Verified reports indicate that the suspects first tried to financially induce the demolition team to halt the exercise. When the attempt to bribe the officials failed, they resorted to violent resistance, using iron rods and stones to attack the officers providing security backup. Normalcy was restored only after the arrests were made.

The Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, emphasized the gravity of the suspects' actions.

“Preventing law enforcement officers from carrying out their lawful duties is a serious offence under the law,” CSP Akerele stated.

He affirmed that the Taskforce will continue to ensure strict compliance to safeguard lives and maintain order during all enforcement activities, noting that while such operations might not always be "public-friendly," they are essential to uphold sanity and law across the State.

The Taskforce urged the public to disregard the "false narratives" intended to mislead the populace. It encouraged anyone with genuine grievances against its officers to come forward with credible evidence, assuring that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against any erring official.