Lawyers’ Movement condemn, seek release of Makoko residents

Sept. 11, 2025

…Issues 24 hour ultimatum

The Radical Agenda Movement in the Nigerian Bar Association (RAMINBA), a rights Movement has condemned the mass arrest of Makoko Residents by the Nigerian Police Officers attached to the Lagos State TASKFORCE.

In a statement signed by the Movement’s Chairperson and secretary; Ayo Ademiluyi and Abiodun Kolawole on Thursday, it urged the Commissioner of Police in the State, Olohunda Jimoh  to immediately order the release of the innocent residents within 24 hours.

The Movement also said it would not fail to take out appropriate measures under the law to secure their release and personal liberty if the residents are not released.

“Acting under the auspices of Freedom in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, Sogunro and Iwaya (FREMOSI), the residents who were getting ready to attend the 1st Lagos State Waterfront Summit at Eko Hotel were arrested by the officials of the same Lagos State Government.

“We beg to ask: how sincere is the Lagos State Government about dialoguing with waterfront communities in Lagos State.

“We view this as part of an orchestrated clampdown on residents of these communities, with looming evictions ranging from Oworonsoki to AJEGUNLE and now to Makoko , where it began from last year with eviction of Oko-baba Plank Mill community.

“We are aware that yesterday, officials of the Lagos State Government served a purported notice of eviction on the same Makoko Residents.