Lagos Set to Prosecute Contractors, Others Involved in Lekki Gardens Building Tragedy

The Lagos State Government yesterday said it has concluded arrangements to commence the prosecution of suspects linked to the collapse of a five-story building on March 8, 2016 in Lekki, Lagos, which led to the death of 30 persons.

The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, in a statement, said government had concluded its legal advice on the incident and was ready to prosecute nine suspects deemed culpable in the collapse of the building.

He said: “Following the conclusion of investigations by the Nigerian Police Force and technical reports of relevant experts, my office has concluded its legal advice and decided to prosecute the suspects for failure to obtain a planning permit contrary to the provisions of the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, Ch. CU2 and involuntary manslaughter contrary to the provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Ch. C17, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, respectively.”

The attorney general said a criminal charge has already been filed before the High Court of Lagos State against the suspects, while they would be arraigned on the alleged offence any moment from now.

Last March at about 05:00 hours, a property under construction by Messrs. Lekki Gardens Estate Limited and Get Too Rich Investment Limited known as Horizon 1 Extension, House H15, Lekki, Lagos State, collapsed claiming the lives of 30 persons.

While reiterating the commitment of the Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration to protecting the lives and property of citizens, Kazeem assured the general public that government would leave no stone unturned to ensure that criminal negligence and any form of crime is duly brought to book.