News
Lagos To Enforce Against Dangerous Occupancy Of Uncompleted Buildings
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), has raised concerns over the increasing trend of residents and occupants living in buildings that are still under construction.
This issue was raised by the Director of Monitoring and Compliance of LASPPPA, Olarinde Iyiola, who expressed this concern recently during the Authority’s routine weekly enforcement exercise carried out by officials of the Monitoring and Compliance Unit.
During the enforcement exercise, Iyiola noted that the Monitoring and Compliance officers of LASPPPA encountered resistance from some property occupants who attempted to prevent their buildings from being sealed, claiming they currently reside on-site.
He observed that most of these properties were not only under construction but also lacked the necessary permits and approvals required for lawful habitation.
Risks associated with occupying unfinished buildings
Iyiola emphasized the grave dangers of residing in unfinished structures to include falling debris, unstable scaffolding, and exposed electrical wiring, among others.
He warned, “Living in a building under construction exposes individuals to serious safety risks, including falling debris, unstable scaffolding, exposed electrical wiring, and the potential for slips, trips, and falls.’’
According to him, such environments are particularly hazardous to children who may unknowingly interact with dangerous tools or unsecured materials.
He added that early occupancy also undermines the structural integrity and timeline of the construction process, leading to delays and increased project costs.
Iyiola advised prospective tenants to prioritise safety by renting only completed and certified buildings.
He further urged developers and property owners to ensure that their buildings are fully completed and inspected before opening them to be occupied.
He stated, “This behaviour not only endangers lives but also contravenes the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law. Any attempt to occupy or rent out uncompleted structures is a violation that will be met with appropriate legal sanctions.’’
He reiterated LASPPPA’s commitment to enforcing compliance across the state in a bid to promote orderly development, enhance safety, and maintain the integrity of the built environment.
The Authority also called on community leaders, estate developers, and landlords to support government efforts by discouraging illegal occupation and encouraging compliance with all physical planning and building regulations.
What you should know
In a related development, the Lagos State Government had, some years ago, banned occupation of abandoned buildings and properties under construction, in a move to tackle insecurity, adding that it clearly understands the danger posed by the likely spread of the “ugly situation” in Nigeria.
The government highlighted how social miscreants continued to convert abandoned buildings and project sites to their bases, from where they attack residents.
It urged owners and developers of uncompleted or existing buildings to always ensure their properties were in proper environmental conditions.
Nairametrics.com
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Naija News reports that Justice had earlier convicted Kanu on all seven counts levelled against him by the Federal Government.
The judge sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment for count 1, 2, 4,5, and 6.
He also sentenced Kanu to 20 years forcount 3 without option of fine.
The Judge sentenced Kanu to five years in prison on count seven without option of fine.
Justice Omotosho ruled that he should not be kept in Kuje prison. He forfeited Nnamdi Kanu’s radio transmitter and barred him from access to social media.
More are still coming
The Federal Government has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the death sentence on the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, following his conviction on all seven terrorism counts.
The request was made on Thursday by the FG’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), shortly after Justice James Omotosho found Kanu guilty of all charges preferred against him.
Awomolo, addressing the court after the verdict, argued that the severity of Kanu’s actions merited the maximum penalty under the law.
The senior lawyer insisted that Kanu committed “many illegalities” and should not be treated with leniency.
Awomolo further reminded the court that four of the seven counts on which Kanu was convicted carry the death sentence under Nigeria’s terrorism laws.
He urged Justice Omotosho to take this into account in determining the appropriate punishment.
“It will not be considered justice that he is isolated and punished lightly in a country where we have Boko Haram, ISWAP, Lakurawa, et cetera,” he argued.
According to the prosecution, Kanu’s actions were as destabilising as those of other violent groups and should be treated with equal seriousness.
Awomolo also urged the judge to ensure that Kanu is kept in a secure correctional facility pending the court’s final pronouncement on sentencing.
He stressed the need to prevent any disruptions or security breaches involving the IPOB leader while the sentencing process is underway.
Kanu was earlier found guilty of inciting violence, ordering attacks on security personnel, calling for killings, and issuing threats capable of terrorising the public, all captured in broadcasts tendered as evidence by the prosecution.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has delivered his ruling in the case between the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and the Federal Government.
Naija News reports that the judgement was given in Nnamdi Kanu’s absence after the judge had ordered security operatives to kick him out of the court over his unruly behaviour.
Nnamdi Kanu had earlier stated that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja does not have the jurisdiction to try him.
The separatist, who has been in custody since 2021, faced seven terrorism-related charges bordering on alleged incitement, running an unlawful group, and acts threatening national security.
The IPOB leader contended that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, under which he is being prosecuted, has been repealed.
He urged the court to strike out the charges, describing them as “disclosing no offence known to law” and therefore invalid.
Kanu also requested that the court nullify the “purported plea of not guilty” entered on his behalf, claiming it was obtained through deception and contrary to a Supreme Court ruling.
He further asked the court to set aside all subsequent proceedings and order his immediate release.
“My contention is very simple: this court lacks jurisdiction to try me,” he said.
Delivering ruling on Thursday, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court has the authority to preside over the Nnamdi Kanu case.
The judge also stated that the matter of extradition has been settled by the Supreme Court, and he ruled against Kanu in this regard.
On the issue of fairness in the hearing for Nnmadi Kanu, Omotosho ruled against the IPOB leader, stating that the court ensured he received a fair hearing.
On the defendant not entering his defence, Justice Omotosho said: “I begged the defendant passionately to enter his defence, but he remained obsolete. That shows that he chose to rest his case on the prosecution. Which is a gamble and a risky action.”
The court found Nnamdi Kanu guilty and convicted him of count 1 in the charges filed against him by the federal government.
The Judge said: “The court will rely on the uncontroverted evidence of the prosecution. This court, therefore, finds that the prosecution has discharged Count 1 beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the defendant (Kanu) is hereby convicted in respect of Count 1.”
More judgement is being read and this report will be updated as it comes in…….
BREAKING: Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu To Life Imprisonment
Just In: FG Urges Court To Impose Death Sentence On Nnamdi Kanu
Court Finally Delivers Judgement In Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Case
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