Group Faults THISDAY’s Report on Alleged Lekki Demolition, Calls for Fairness, Due Process

By Peter Adelabu

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice has dismissed allegations of land grabbing and disobedience to court orders against Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Jimoh Moshood, insisting that the police acted in accordance with a valid court judgment and not out of personal interest.

The Coalition’s position follows a THISDAY publication of November 2, 2026, titled “Demolition of N1bn Property: Senate, IG Urged to Investigate, Discipline AIG Moshood Over Alleged Court’s Disobedience,” which reported a petition by Alhaji Akeem Osuolale Ogunseye, through his lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, calling for the investigation and disciplinary action against the senior police officer.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade James Okoronkwo, the Coalition expressed concern that the report presented only the petitioner’s allegations without adequately examining the court records and documents surrounding the disputed property.

It stressed that a petition does not constitute evidence, a court judgment or a conviction, adding that the matter requires a balanced assessment of the facts.

Valid Court Judgment in Favour of Skyview Properties

The Coalition stated that the disputed property, Plot 37, Block 77, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos, was the subject of Suit No. LD/1006CMW/2015 before the Lagos State High Court.

According to the group, on June 30, 2025, Justice K. A. Jose delivered judgment in favour of Skyview Properties Ltd against Mr. Samuel Alao Ajibode, from whom the petitioner allegedly derived his title.

The judgment reportedly declared that Ajibode was no longer entitled to be regarded as the holder of the Certificate of Occupancy, granted a perpetual injunction restraining him, his agents and privies from trespassing, and awarded damages.

The Coalition maintained that the judgment had not been vacated, set aside or nullified by any court.

Police Provided Security, Not Demolition Services

Addressing the allegation of police involvement in the demolition, the Coalition said documents showed that the law firm of C.O. Toyin Pinheiro & Co., acting on behalf of Skyview Properties Ltd, formally wrote to AIG Zone 2 on October 21, 2026.

The letter reportedly attached a Certified True Copy of the court judgment and requested police presence to enable the company’s workers to carry out development activities without a breach of peace.

The group argued that AIG Moshood neither acted as a land agent nor a demolition contractor but responded to a formal request supported by a judgment of a competent court.

It described the provision of security in such circumstances as part of the constitutional responsibility of the Police, insisting that such action should not be misconstrued as land grabbing.

Coalition Questions Alleged Stay of Execution

The Coalition also challenged the petitioner to make public a Certified True Copy of the alleged Stay of Execution and status quo order said to have been issued by the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/LAG/CV/123/2025.

It argued that the mere filing of an appeal does not automatically suspend the execution of a judgment, insisting that a valid stay must be obtained and established.

The group stated that no verified stay order had been presented to the public, while the judgment relied upon by Skyview Properties Ltd remained valid.

Dismisses Allegation of Personal Interest

On the allegation that AIG Moshood acted out of personal, selfish and pecuniary interest, the Coalition demanded concrete evidence linking the officer to the disputed property.

It questioned whether the senior police officer owned the land, appeared on any ownership document, or had engaged in its purchase, sale or development.

According to the Coalition, no document had been presented to establish any personal interest on the part of AIG Moshood in Plot 37, Block 77, Lekki.

It described the branding of a senior police officer with over 30 years of service as a land grabber without documentary evidence as character assassination.

Calls for Investigation into Alleged Attack on Workmen

The Coalition further disclosed that Skyview Properties Ltd had petitioned the Police over an alleged incident on October 17, 2026, in which the petitioner and his agents were accused of invading the property with daggers, machetes and dane guns, attacking workmen, inflicting injuries and locking up the premises.

The group called for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations, insisting that all parties must be given equal opportunity to present their cases.

It maintained that justice must not be pursued selectively, urging the Police to investigate both the demolition allegations and the reported attack on the company’s workers.

Coalition Urges Senate, IGP, PSC to Uphold Due Process

The Coalition appealed to the Senate, Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Police Service Commission to avoid hasty disciplinary action against AIG Moshood based solely on a newspaper report or petition.

It urged the relevant authorities to allow due process, internal police investigations and judicial processes to determine the facts, warning that trial by media could undermine the morale of officers carrying out their lawful duties.

The group also called on THISDAY and other media organisations to uphold the principles of balanced reporting by publishing relevant court judgments alongside allegations against public officials.

It advised the petitioner to seek appropriate legal remedies at the Court of Appeal rather than using public institutions and the media to intimidate the Police from performing their lawful responsibilities.

The Coalition, however, urged AIG Moshood to remain calm, professional and law-abiding, expressing confidence in his record of service, particularly during his tenure as Commissioner of Police in Lagos State.

It recalled having defended the officer in March 2026, reiterating its support based on what it described as the available facts and court records.

Nigeria Must Be Governed by Evidence, Not Petitions

Concluding, the Coalition declared that Nigeria must be governed by judgments, evidence and due process rather than petitions and public accusations.

It insisted that if the judgment in favour of Skyview Properties Ltd was erroneous, the appropriate court should set it aside, while any subsisting stay of execution should be made available for public scrutiny.

The group called on all parties to maintain peace, respect the authority of the courts and allow the Police to discharge their responsibilities without intimidation.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, security, good governance, equity and justice, the Coalition said its advocacy would extend to all Nigerians, including police officers it believes are subjected to unfounded allegations.