Illegal Demolition: 79-Year-Old Protester Collapses After Magistrate Rejected Bail
Mr. Ebun Ikuejagbaiye, a 79-year-old Oworonshoki resident, collapsed inside the Ikoyi Custodial Centre on Tuesday after a Lagos Magistrate again declined to approve the bail of 13 protesters arrested during a peaceful demonstration against ongoing demolitions in the community.
Mr. Ikuejagbaiye has been held since November 3, 2025, alongside twelve others picked up during what residents describe as a lawful protest against illegal and forceful demolition by agents of the Lagos State Government.
Sources said that the elderly detainee slumped shortly after receiving news that Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje of the Lagos State Magistrate Court, Sabo – Yaba, refused to sign their bail bond.
According to courtroom insiders, the Magistrate reportedly based her refusal on claims that the tax records presented by the sureties were “too low.”
Community members allege that the bail rejection came minutes after the Magistrate was informed that demolition activities had resumed in Oworonshoki.
There are growing suspicions that court decisions are being influenced by efforts to stifle resistance to the controversial exercise.
A community leader monitoring the case said the message conveyed to the court was that releasing the protesters could embolden residents to push back harder against the demolition operations.
The distressing news, sources say, triggered significant emotional shock for the 79-year-old, contributing to his collapse inside the detention facility.
It was gathered that Mr. Ikuejagbaiye is the second Oworonshoki detainee to collapse inside Ikoyi Prison.
On Thursday last week, 67-year-old Mr. Odewale Samuel also slumped while in custody. Both men remain in detention despite a court-granted bail that has yet to be activated due to the Magistrate’s refusal to endorse the bond.
Meanwhile, the Oworonshoki Community and the Take It Back Movement have condemned the development, describing it as part of a widening pattern of state intimidation against peaceful residents defending their homes.
In a joint statement, the groups said the collapsed detainees reflect the dangerous consequences of weaponising the justice system to silence community resistance.
However, they demanded for the immediate and unconditional release of all 13 detained protesters, including Mr. Ebun Ikuejagbaiye.
“Urgent medical attention and independent evaluation for Mr. Ikuejagbaiye. An end to intimidation, arrests, and harassment of residents and activists.
“A transparent investigation into the actions of the agencies involved in the demolition and arrests,” TIB demands.
Despite the intensifying crackdown, community leaders say residents remain united.
The Oworonshoki Community and the Take It Back Movement reaffirm that the people remain steadfast.
According to the organisation, “Repression cannot silence a united community fighting for justice, dignity, and survival.
“We call on human rights organisations, labour unions, civil society groups, and international observers to stand with the people of Oworonshoki at this critical moment.”
