By Hon. George Chekiri Wilson
Journalist | Human Rights Activist
My name is George Chekiri Wilson, a journalist and human rights advocate living in Lagos State. In August 2023, I rented a three-bedroom apartment located at No. 13, Mutairu Ali Street, Ijegun, Lagos. I paid a total of ₦300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) directly into the landlord’s account as rent, and an additional ₦20,000 (Twenty Thousand Naira) to the caretaker, Mr. Akin Akinlabi, as his commission. These payments were made based on a mutual agreement among all parties involved.
Shortly after settling in, I discovered that the apartment lacked electricity and other basic amenities. I immediately contacted the caretaker, who assured me that efforts were being made to install a prepaid electricity meter. He also facilitated an introduction between me and the PHCN (now Ikeja Electric) manager, promising to act as a liaison since he is based in Abuja.
In the interim, a temporary arrangement was made for me to draw power from a downstairs neighbour’s meter with the understanding that we would split the electricity bill. However, PHCN officials later arrived at the property and removed all electrical wiring, citing long-standing debts on the building’s existing meters. They stated that the owner must clear the debt before any reconnection could occur.
I informed the caretaker of this new development, and once again, he promised to resolve it. However, nothing was done, and for two full years, I had to generate electricity independently. On average, I spent ₦4,000 daily on fuel just to run my home appliances and power the apartment.
Given that the property had been vacant for two years prior to my tenancy, I took it upon myself to renovate and repair several parts of the apartment to make it livable. These improvements included:
Replacing carpets in all three rooms and the kitchen
Installing a new kitchen sink
Repairing the main entrance door and the compound gate
Despite these efforts, the landlord and caretaker continued to neglect their responsibilities.
Illegal Eviction Attempts and Non-Issuance of Tenancy Documents
Three months before my rent was due to expire in June 2024, I received a WhatsApp message from the caretaker instructing me to vacate the property by December 2024, claiming that the landlord intended to renovate the building.
I found this strange, as:
I was only in my second year of tenancy
I had made substantial personal investments in the property
I had no tenancy agreement or receipt of rent payment, despite repeatedly requesting them
Other tenants, most of whom had lived there for over 10 years, were also asked to leave, but they resisted
In January 2025, the landlord and caretaker came from Abuja to speak with all tenants. They extended the deadline to August 2025, insisting on their intention to renovate. Still, I maintained my objection, highlighting the financial and emotional toll their neglect had caused me – including the lack of electricity and the need to frequently purchase water, which was not part of our tenancy agreement.
Petition to the Police and Citizens Mediation Center
Feeling cornered and unfairly treated, I petitioned the Area M Police Command (which covers Ijegun) on April 1st, 2025. The command, led by ACP Abaniwonda Tokunbo, issued an invitation to the landlord and caretaker to appear on April 7th, 2025. They ignored the invitation.
I was then advised to report the matter to the Lagos State Citizens Mediation Center (CMC) in Ikotun. A mediation hearing was scheduled for June 16th, 2025, but again, neither the landlord nor the caretaker appeared. A second date was agreed upon, but on July 7th, 2025, they failed to attend once more. The mediators then advised me to take legal action.
Court Case and Continued Defiance
Legal proceedings began in July 2025 under case number MCY/SCC/186/2025, assigned to Court 8 of the Magistrate Court, Ebute Metta. The first hearing was held on September 1st, 2025.
As of today, we have appeared in court four times, and the next hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, October 8th, 2025. However, the landlord and caretaker have continuously refused to appear in court or engage with the judicial process.
Threat to Life and Ongoing Intimidation
On Monday, October 6th, 2025, around 2:30 PM, my minor son was returning from school when he observed armed strangers loitering near our compound. Among them was the landlord, who has repeatedly ignored police and court summons.
According to a concerned passerby, these men were waiting to apprehend or harm a member of my family. My son was warned not to approach the building for his own safety. He tried to call me three times with missed calls. Notably, earlier that day, I had received a strange phone call which I now believe was linked to this incident.
I immediately reported the situation to the Area M Police Command. Since then, my family and I have been living in fear, receiving threatening phone calls, including threats to kill me.
Conclusion and Call for Justice
The actions of Dr. Dan Aigbewin and Mr. Akin Akinlabi amount to:
Cheating and fraudulent eviction tactics
Breach of contract
Deliberate neglect of tenancy obligations
Refusal to respond to police, mediation, and court summons
Conduct likely to cause breach of public peace
Criminal threats and intimidation, including threats to life
These actions are not only illegal but also morally reprehensible. I am seeking justice, not just for myself, but for the many other tenants who suffer similar injustices in silence, unsure of how to seek help.
I call on relevant authorities, the legal system, human rights organizations, and the general public to intervene and ensure that justice is served.
Signed:
Hon. George Chekiri Wilson
📞 08129899346
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