Peter Obi Raises Alarm as Brother’s Property Demolished Without Court Order in Lagos Amid Rising National Lawlessness

 

A fresh storm is brewing in Nigeria’s already charged political atmosphere, as Peter Obi, the leading opposition Presidential candidate, has publicly alleged that a property owned by his younger brother was unlawfully demolished in Lagos. The former Anambra State governor and widely respected political figure has described the incident as a dangerous reflection of deepening lawlessness in the country.

Obi revealed that he received a panicked phone call from his brother early Tuesday morning. His brother, who had just arrived in Lagos from Port Harcourt, was barred from accessing his own company property in Ikeja. According to him, a demolition was underway and had already started days before, without any form of prior notice or official communication.

Immediately alerted, Obi left Abuja and flew to Lagos to intervene. Upon arriving at the property, he was reportedly blocked from entering by security operatives who claimed the demolition was based on a court judgment. But the judgment, once shown to him, raised more questions than answers. It was addressed to no one in particular, simply citing “unknown persons and squatters” as defendants.

No legal notice had been served to the rightful owners. No one in the family was aware of any dispute over the land. Yet, excavators had been mobilized and had already begun tearing down a building that had stood on the site for over 15 years. The property, registered under Obi’s younger brother’s company, has reportedly had full ownership and documentation for over a decade.

Obi asked the demolition team to identify who had sent them, but no one could provide a clear answer. The excavator operators said they were simply contracted to carry out the job. Obi gave them his phone number, requesting to speak directly with whoever issued the demolition order. He stood on the site from 10am to 2pm, but no call came. No senior official showed up.

Later, two men appeared and suggested a visit to the police station. Still, they failed to present any demolition permit, notice, or even a formal explanation. According to Obi, the entire process lacked legality, transparency, and fairness. It was, in his words, a “coordinated attack on property rights and the rule of law.”

He described the experience as surreal, asking how any court could issue a judgment against no named party, and how such a flimsy excuse could result in the destruction of private property. He called the event “a clear demonstration of how far lawlessness has crept into our national life.”

As someone who has contested the Presidency of Nigeria and continues to champion the cause of justice, good governance, and the rule of law, Obi said the experience shook him deeply. He pointed out that if this kind of abuse can happen to someone with legal ownership, business registration, and national visibility, then ordinary Nigerians face even graver risks.

Obi drew attention to the broader implications of such lawless actions. He recalled a recent conversation with a prominent investor who operates across West Africa but deliberately avoids investing in Nigeria. The investor’s reason was blunt: “Nigeria is lawless. There are no protections. Until that changes, I won’t bring my money here.”

For Obi, that sentiment captures the real damage being done. It is not just about a demolished building. It is about the destruction of investor confidence, public trust, and national credibility. He argued that property rights form the backbone of any civilized society and must be protected at all costs.

The incident adds another layer to the concerns of rising impunity in Nigeria. Courts issuing judgments without clarity, demolitions carried out in secrecy, and a growing trend of bypassing legal procedures are becoming recurring themes. Many see these patterns as symptoms of a larger breakdown in governance and institutional integrity.

Peter Obi did not fail to link his personal ordeal with the broader daily struggles of Nigerians. He spoke about how vulnerable communities, small business owners, and ordinary citizens live under constant fear of dispossession, with no assurance that the law will shield them.

He reiterated his commitment to building a better Nigeria, one where every citizen can feel safe, respected, and protected under the law. He emphasized the need for a legal system that is accessible and fair to all, not just to those with influence or connections.

The message he delivered was strong and clear: “This is not just about me or my family. This is about the future of our country. We must decide whether we want to live in a society governed by law or one ruled by impunity. A new Nigeria is possible, but only if we demand and defend it together.”