Seven residents of Oworonshoki, Lagos, who had been held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre since November 3, 2025, have regained their freedom after spending weeks in custody.

The group was arrested on November 3 during a peaceful demonstration against what they described as the unlawful demolition of their homes in the Oworonshoki area. Following their arrest, they were charged before the Magistrate Court in Sabo, Yaba, where Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje ordered that they be remanded at the Ikoyi facility.

Their release was delayed due to difficulties in meeting and perfecting their bail conditions, prolonging their stay behind bars. It was ultimately secured through the intervention of Barrister Bolaji Oluwatosin, head of the Legal Aid Team of the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, whose efforts ensured the finalisation of their bail process.

The arrests occurred amid an ongoing demolition exercise by the Lagos State Government targeting several parts of Oworonshoki, a waterfront community situated near the Third Mainland Bridge. Homes in areas such as Ajileru, Ososa Extension, Toluwalase Street, and the Precious Seed Community were demolished, despite an existing restraining order issued by the Lagos High Court. More than 70 houses were said to have been destroyed, leaving hundreds displaced.

Residents and eyewitnesses described the demolition operations as violent and unlawful. They alleged that unidentified persons, accompanied by security personnel, entered homes, took valuables, and set buildings on fire. The forceful evictions were also reportedly marked by intimidation and arrests.

The humanitarian impact has been devastating. A 15-year-old girl, Esther Eniefiok, was said to have died from trauma linked to the events, while an elderly community member, known as Baba Aro, also passed away during the turmoil.

Civil society groups and community organisations, including the Take It Back Movement, have strongly condemned the demolitions, calling them a breach of human rights and a disregard for judicial orders. Planned demonstrations were later suspended after police issued warnings about possible further arrests, heightening concerns of repression among affected residents.