HURIWA Demands Independent Probe into Demolition of $250 Million Estate Along Coastal Road
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a strong call for an independent investigation into the controversial demolition of a $250 million estate associated with the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project. In a swift response, the Federal Government has defended its actions, asserting that no arbitrary measures were taken and that all procedures adhered strictly to due process, technical considerations, and constitutional provisions.
HURIWA Raises Alarm Over Unresolved Injustice
During a press conference held in Abuja on Monday, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, described the demolition as a deeply troubling case of unresolved injustice with significant implications for investor confidence in Nigeria. Onwubiko emphasized that the estate, developed by WINHOMES Global Services Limited and largely funded by Nigerians in the diaspora, was demolished without compensation to investors, despite ongoing engagements with relevant authorities over the past two years.
He highlighted that this lingering dispute undermines the Federal Government's efforts to attract foreign and diaspora investments into the country. "Presidents have consistently urged Nigerians abroad to bring investments home, but incidents like this send the wrong signal. Here is a case where a developer mobilized diaspora funds into a major real estate project, only for it to be demolished without compensation," Onwubiko stated.
Concerns Over Due Process and Systemic Issues
HURIWA expressed concern that what should have been a straightforward administrative and legal matter has dragged on for over 24 months without concrete resolution or payment to affected investors. The group pointed to a widely circulated video in which the Minister of Works, David Umahi, reportedly stated that he personally ordered the demolition, noting that the directive did not originate from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This statement, if accurate, raises significant constitutional and administrative concerns regarding the exercise of authority in matters affecting private investments.
"If such an admission is correct, then it becomes imperative to establish whether due process was followed and whether the action aligns with existing legal frameworks," Onwubiko added. The association warned that this case reflects a broader pattern that could discourage both local and foreign investors, particularly where government projects intersect with private developments.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
HURIWA urged the Federal Ministry of Works to provide a comprehensive account of the circumstances surrounding the demolition, including the legal basis for the action and steps taken prior to its execution. The group also called on anti-corruption and oversight agencies to launch an independent probe to determine whether there was any abuse of office, conflict of interest, or violation of constitutional provisions.
In addition, HURIWA appealed to President Tinubu to intervene directly by clarifying the level of authorization granted for the demolition and ensuring that all affected investors receive full compensation without further delay. The association maintained that continued silence on the matter risks reinforcing negative perceptions about governance and accountability in Nigeria.
"Justice delayed in a matter of this magnitude not only denies victims their rights but also erodes confidence in governance and weakens Nigeria's economic prospects," Onwubiko concluded. HURIWA pledged to sustain its advocacy on the issue until justice is served and accountability ensured, warning that the outcome will have lasting implications for Nigeria's investment climate and international image.
Federal Government Defends Actions
Responding to the allegations, Francis Nwaze, the Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Works, dismissed claims of unlawful demolition, insisting that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project followed due process, technical coordination, and constitutional authority. "It has become both necessary and urgent to set the record straight with verifiable facts before Nigerians and the global community, because a project of this national significance cannot be reduced to emotional claims that ignore legal authority, engineering realities, and constitutional responsibility," Nwaze said.
He explained that the decision affecting the frontage portion of the WinHomes property was not a personal action by Minister David Umahi nor an isolated administrative directive. The alignment process was jointly handled by technical experts from Lagos State Government agencies, including the Lagos State Land Bureau, Ministry of Physical and Urban Planning, Office of the Surveyor-General, Ministry of Works, and the New Town Development Authority.
Nwaze further clarified that the process was a coordinated engineering exercise involving multiple institutions rather than individual discretion. He noted that several route adjustments were made during planning to protect critical infrastructure and reduce large-scale demolition. For instance, at approximately kilometer 13, the alignment encountered over 200 high-value residential buildings within Ocean Bay Estate, some valued above N500 million each, necessitating a diversion to reduce compensation burden and avoid mass demolition.
At kilometer 16, engineers received a technical alert regarding sensitive submarine telecommunications infrastructure linked to MTN's 2Africa cable, warning that disruption could affect national digital connectivity. Nwaze also stated that only about 4 hectares of the WinHomes land out of over 12 hectares fell within the right-of-way, leaving a majority of the property untouched. He insisted that no entire estate was demolished, but only frontage fencing and undeveloped portions were affected, adding that compensation offers were extended but allegedly declined by representatives of the developer.
He maintained that over 500 structures across the broader corridor have been affected, with compensation processes applied in line with federal guidelines.
