In a shocking violation of legal process, armed thugs have demolished a thriving bakery business valued at over N500 million in Surulere, Lagos, despite an active court case and pending judgment.
The Illegal Demolition Operation
On Sunday, October 5, at approximately 6:00 AM, a group of armed thugs stormed the bakery located at No. 24 Olufemi Road in Surulere. According to legal representatives Dorminus Attorneys, the assailants assaulted staff members and completely razed the structure to the ground.
The demolition occurred while a court judgment regarding the property dispute was pending since October. The tenant had a valid lease agreement running until 2028, and the landlord, Rotimi Eghosa Onaghise, had already received N5 million as renewal payment.
Questionable Documents and Legal Violations
The attackers operated under the cover of a suspicious "demolition permit" obtained through a disputed affidavit claiming ownership dating back to 1989. However, investigations reveal that the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) neither authorized nor executed the demolition.
Dorminus Attorneys described the incident as "a private act of terror disguised with state documents." The law firm emphasized that the landlord initiated eviction proceedings in July 2025, and the matter had progressed to judgment stage before this illegal action took place.
Massive Losses and Criminal Complaints
The destruction resulted in catastrophic losses including:
- Industrial equipment worth millions of naira
- Factory materials and production goods
- Business infrastructure valued at over N500 million
A criminal complaint has been filed at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Alagbon, where some arrests have reportedly been made. However, the principal suspects—identified as Asekun, Bime, and Onaghise—are allegedly evading arrest through influential connections.
The legal firm is calling on the Lagos State Government to investigate the alleged fraudulent permit and sanction any officials involved. They are also urging the Inspector General of Police to ensure the culprits are apprehended and prosecuted.
The statement from Dorminus Attorneys warned: "Our client will pursue civil remedies, but this criminal destruction and assault cannot go unpunished. Lagos must not become a battlefield for land grabbers."
This case highlights growing concerns about property rights and the rule of law in Lagos, where powerful individuals increasingly bypass legal processes through intimidation and forged documents.
