Owner of Collapsed Building Risks Prosecution – LASG

The General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Gbolahan Oki, has attributed the collapse of a two-story building in the Mushin area to the use of substandard materials. Oki announced that the building’s owner would face prosecution for violating a government stop-work order and breaking the seal placed on the building.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) reported rescuing seven individuals trapped at the collapse site on Wednesday. LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the rescue operation in a statement.

According to LASBCA’s spokesperson, Olaoye Olusegun, the agency’s General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, stated that a preliminary investigation into the two-story building, which had an illegal attachment and collapsed during construction, indicated the use of substandard materials. The collapse also affected a nearby bungalow.

Oki added that LASBCA had previously issued a stop-work order and quit notice on the building, which was subsequently sealed. However, the property owner ignored these directives and continued with the illegal construction by breaking the seal.

The agency warned that appropriate actions could include the demolition of other defective structures within the compound, prosecution of the building owner, and seizure of the property to address the situation. Oki urged residents to refrain from constructing buildings without the necessary permits and to avoid tampering with government seals on defective buildings, as such actions are illegal and endanger lives.

Despite the collapse, Oki expressed relief that no lives were lost, thanks to the prompt response of LASBCA and other emergency responders. He revealed that those who sustained injuries were receiving medical attention at a nearby facility.

Oki also issued a stern warning to developers and property owners against engaging in illegal constructions and conversions, particularly adding attachments to existing buildings without approval and proper supervision by the agency.