In a surprising reveal, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the unveiling of an apartment located beneath the Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi. Tenants residing in this hidden setting pay an annual rent of N250,000.
The commissioner disclosed that this under-bridge apartment is divided into 86 partitioned rooms, with sizes ranging from “10×10” to “12×10”.
This revelation was made by Wahab through a post on X.com, accompanied by videos showcasing the discovery.
Furthermore, the enforcement team of the Lagos State’s Ministry of Environment and Water Resources successfully cleared out all structures from beneath the Dolphin Estate Bridge, including a container that was being utilized for various illicit activities.
Providing more insight through videos, the commissioner stated, “A total of 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10, along with a container used for different illegal activities, were found beneath the Dolphin Estate Bridge.
“The enforcement team of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has successfully evacuated all these structures.”
Confirmation of the eviction of illegal occupants beneath the bridge leading to Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi came from Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kunle Rotimi-Akodu.
Rotimi-Akodu mentioned that 23 individuals were apprehended during the operation conducted by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, commonly known as KAI, on Tuesday.
He stated, “Squatters residing under the bridge towards Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi were removed today, on Tuesday, 30th of April, 2024, by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) officers.”
These individuals had established an unauthorized settlement under the bridge, posing a threat to critical infrastructure. 23 people have been arrested so far, and the Ministry of Environment/KAI will continue monitoring the area, with the law taking its due course.
Additionally, he verified that the bridge accommodated a total of 86 rooms, partitioned into sizes of 10×10 and 12×10, with squatters paying an average yearly rent of N250,000.
“Further actions were taken to clear out dwellings under the Dolphin bridge, leading to the arrest of 11 more individuals. It is crucial to note that the shelters were constructed using wood materials, some residents had gas cylinders, and fuel for generators, posing significant safety hazards,” he added.
He emphasized, “Squatters dwelling under the bridge leading to Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, were evicted on Tuesday, 30th of April, 2024, by officers of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), known as KAI.”
“These individuals had formed an illegal settlement beneath the bridge, endangering critical infrastructure. Twenty-three persons have been arrested thus far, and the Ministry of Environment/KAI will continue surveillance. Legal actions will be taken as required.”