A 67-year-old tenant, Pastor Bolaji Olukotun, has died following a disputed eviction from his residence at Admiralty Homes Estate in Lekki, Lagos, with his family alleging he was assaulted and forcefully removed by suspected agents of the landlord.
According to the family and the deceased’s lawyer, Barrister Akpobome Deniran, the incident stemmed from a failed rent-to-own arrangement after the landlord reportedly decided to sell the property to another buyer. They alleged that armed thugs, a mobile police officer, an estate agent and the prospective buyer carried out the eviction without a court order, leaving the pastor in severe distress before he was rushed to hospital, where he later died.
The landlord’s solicitor, Caleb Onwe, denied that any forceful eviction or assault took place, insisting the tenant had already packed his belongings and was unwell before officials arrived to inspect the property. He also claimed those present assisted in getting the pastor medical attention.
The Lagos State Police said it could not comment officially on the matter, noting that the complainant did not return after making the initial report. The circumstances surrounding Pastor Olukotun’s death remain disputed as his family continues to demand a thorough investigation and justice.