The Nigeria Police Force has affirmed its intention to proceed with the planned demolition of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) Shopping Complex in Ikeja, Lagos State, despite what it labels as “frivolous claims, unsubstantiated protests, and media blackmail” by affected traders.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, clarified in a statement on Saturday that the demolition of the complex, allocated to wives of police officers and their relatives, is to pave the way for the immediate construction of a modern shopping complex on the same land.

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Adejobi stated that the decision to demolish and reconstruct the complex is based on professional opinions indicating that the current structure poses an environmental hazard, being prone to flooding and potential collapse.

The demolition and reconstruction plan, according to Adejobi, will be executed in phases, emphasizing that it is a well-intentioned effort for the betterment of all parties involved.

He assured that all necessary legal requirements have been met, and occupants have been given ample notice to evacuate while temporary accommodations are arranged within the complex during reconstruction.

Despite claims by traders at the POWA Complex in Computer Village, Ikeja, that they had obtained a restraining order against the demolition, Adejobi maintained that the process would proceed as planned.

He urged Nigerians to dismiss alleged wrongdoing and illegality, cautioning against frivolous claims and media blackmail during the exercise.

The affected traders had sought the intervention of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, expressing concern that the planned demolition would jeopardize the livelihoods of approximately 1,000 occupants in the plaza.

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The traders alleged that a developer had sought to gain access to the complex, leading to the attempt to displace them, and despite a court order, a vacation notice was pasted at the plaza.

The Police Wives Association denied knowledge of the demolition during a protest by the traders on December 19.