The Radical Agenda Movement in the Nigerian Bar Association (RAMINBA) has given Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a 24-hour deadline to order the withdrawal of charges against 28 detained residents of Makoko, warning of statewide protests if he fails to act.
In a statement jointly signed on Thursday, September 11, 2025, by RAMINBA Chairperson Ayo Ademiluyi and Secretary Abiodun Kolawole, the group described the charges as “fabricated” and accused the Lagos State Government of intensifying a coordinated crackdown on waterfront communities.
The 28 individuals, now known as the “Makoko 28,” were arrested by police officers attached to the Lagos State Task Force and arraigned before a mobile court within the Task Force premises. They are currently being held at Kirikiri and Badagry Prisons, pending the next hearing scheduled for October 3, 2025.
According to RAMINBA, the arrested residents—members of the coalition Freedom in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, Sogunro, and Iwaya (FREMOSI)—had been preparing to participate in the Lagos State Waterfront Summit at Eko Hotel when they were arrested by government officials hosting the same summit.
The association questioned the sincerity of Sanwo-Olu’s administration, accusing it of publicly promoting dialogue with waterfront communities while secretly pursuing forced evictions.
“How sincere is the Lagos State Government about dialoguing with waterfront communities in Lagos State?” the group asked.
RAMINBA further alleged that the arrests were part of a broader plan to displace residents from waterfront settlements, citing previous evictions in Oworonshoki, Ajegunle, and Oko-Baba plank market. It added that fresh eviction notices had been served to Makoko residents just a day before the arrests.
The group pledged to organise “continuous, non-stop protests” until all detainees are released if the state government fails to act within the 24-hour deadline.
A full list of the arrested residents—including Lokosu Simon, Ateji Simon Peter, Dosugan Perfect, Mehinto John, Anansukilo Hinnuho, Simenu Thursday, Kpodahude John, Vava Gabriel, Andrew Yansunnu, Oliver Sunnunvun, and Abraham Atungbe—was released to the public.
RAMINBA maintained that the arrests reveal the Lagos government’s true intentions toward waterfront communities, accusing it of prioritising displacement over due process and human rights.
