The Police affirm their commitment to demolishing the Lagos POWA complex with no intention of reversing the decision.


 The Nigeria Police Force has affirmed its intention to proceed with the planned demolition of the shopping complex owned by the Police Officers Wives Association in Ikeja, Lagos State. 

This decision is despite what they consider as baseless claims, unsupported protests, and media manipulation by the affected traders.

 The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, explained in a statement that the POWA Shopping Complex in Ikeja, officially allocated to wives of police officers and their relatives, is scheduled for demolition.

 This move is deemed necessary due to the potential environmental hazards posed by the current structure, including the risk of flooding and possible sudden collapse.

 Adejobi emphasized that the demolition and reconstruction will occur in phases, with the aim of creating a modern shopping complex. He assured that all legal requirements have been met, occupants have been adequately notified, and temporary accommodations are arranged during the reconstruction. 

The relevant Lagos State Government agency has also been consulted and necessary approvals obtained based on expert advice.

Adejobi cautioned traders against making frivolous claims, unsubstantiated protests, and resorting to media manipulation during the planned demolition. 

He urged Nigerians to disregard any allegations of wrongdoing or illegality on the part of the Police Force or POWA. Emphasizing the commitment to the welfare of personnel and their families, he stated that the demolition would proceed as scheduled.

In a recent report, traders at the POWA Complex in Computer Village, Ikeja, sought intervention from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun within a 24-hour notice of the complex's impending demolition.

 Traders in Phases I and II expressed concern about the potential loss of livelihood for about 1,000 occupants. 

Trust Tobechukwu, a former chairman of the Computer Dealers Association, revealed that despite obtaining a restraining order from the court against the demolition, individuals claiming to be officials of the Lagos State Government posted a vacation notice on Thursday. 

Traders appealed for assistance, highlighting their law-abiding nature and the impact on their livelihoods and dependents if pushed out of the market. 

They stressed that the plaza is owned by widows of former police officers and serving officers, mentioning a 2019 notice of demolition from Abuja.

Tobechukwu stated that the developer, driven by a strong desire to gain access to the complex, was the one actively attempting to force them out. 

Mark Eze, Trustee Chairman of the Computer Dealers Association, highlighted that the complex comprises 300 shops, with over 1,000 traders renting for more than 20 years.

In a recent report, it was revealed that on December 19, the traders staged a protest opposing the alleged plan by POWA to demolish the complex. 

Tayo Shittu, the chairman of the Computer Dealer Association, claimed during the protest that traders pay annual rents ranging from N300,000 to N400,000.

 He alleged that the Police Wives Association intended to destroy the shops for selfish reasons.Shittu further mentioned that when they contacted POWA, the association denied any knowledge of the demolition plans.

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