- Tenant Docked for Alleged Structural Changes to Rented Flat in Lagos
- The police alleged that the alterations violated existing building regulations
- Chukwuma pleaded not guilty to the charge
A 34-year-old tenant, Henry Chijioke Chukwuma, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrates’ Court for allegedly carrying out unauthorised structural alterations to his rented apartment in the Ajah area of the state without his landlord’s consent.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Chukwuma was arrested by operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command following a petition filed by his landlord, Moses Okeoma, over the alleged modifications to the property located at Vintage Estate, Ajah.
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According to the police, the defendant partitioned sections of the apartment, relocated the bathroom entrance and damaged part of the wall after renting the property, without obtaining approval from the landlord.
The police alleged that the alterations violated existing building regulations and were carried out without the required authorisation.
Following the complaint, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Jimoh, directed officers to investigate the matter to prevent the dispute from escalating into a breach of public peace.
After investigations led by Inspector Odijile Eghonghon and his team, Chukwuma was charged before the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court on a one-count charge of alleged wilful damage to the bathroom wall and door.
Prosecuting counsel, Superintendent of Police Reuben Solomon, told the court that the defendant was required to obtain the landlord’s consent before making any structural changes to the apartment.
He argued that since the defendant accepted the apartment in its original condition before moving in, any subsequent alterations required the property owner’s approval.
The prosecutor added that the alleged offence contravenes Section 337 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Chukwuma pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Magistrate T.O. Abayomi granted him bail in the sum of ₦100,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until August 14, 2026, for mention.
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