A coalition of civil society organizations and foreign investors staged a peaceful protest today at the Lagos liaison office of the Federal Ministry of Works, accusing Minister of Works, David Umahi, of using military personnel to intimidate and abduct landowners in the Okun-Ajah area of Lagos, where land is being cleared for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
The demonstrators, led by Mr. Shina Loromikan, demanded the immediate release of Mr. Ola Obanla, a site worker with WinHomes, who was allegedly arrested by soldiers following a visit by Minister Umahi to the project site. Protesters claim Obanla was taken without explanation and has not been seen since, raising concerns of illegal detention and abuse of power.
Carrying placards with messages such as “Free Obanla” and “Withdraw soldiers from Umahi,” the protesters condemned what they described as a pattern of harassment, forced demolitions, and lack of compensation for affected residents and investors. Many of the properties in question reportedly belong to Nigerians in the diaspora who had invested in the area with proper documentation and government approvals.
Simultaneous protests were also held in Abuja, with demonstrators vowing to continue until their demands are met. The coalition emphasized that while they support national infrastructure development, it must be pursued lawfully and with respect for citizens’ rights.