By Segun Adeyanju
A Nigerian entrepreneur, simple identified as Benjamin has cried out for justice after his home and office were demolished in Benin City, Edo State, allegedly without notice or legal process.
Benjamin is now calling on the Edo State Government, the Oba of Benin, and civil society groups to intervene and prevent further victimization of small business owners.
The affected Draphic Designer, who spoke through social media influencer Diana Aghedo, said his property was brought down in a pre-dawn raid by security operatives on claims that his office was connected to a criminal gang.
He strongly denied the allegation, insisting that his business was legitimate and had no ties to crime.
According to Aghedo, the destruction was carried out without formal notification or court order, leaving the entrepreneur and his family homeless and his livelihood in ruins. Equipment and property from his office were also reportedly looted during the operation.
“This keeps happening to innocent citizens trying to make an honest living,” Aghedo said in a LinkedIn post that has since gone viral. “We cannot continue to destroy lives and businesses based on suspicion without a proper investigation.”
The incident has sparked outrage among civil society organizations and legal experts, who say such actions violate fundamental human rights and the rule of law.
They have urged Governor Godwin Obaseki and traditional authorities to ensure a transparent investigation into the demolition.
“This kind of high-handedness discourages investment and entrepreneurship,” one activist noted. “If an allegation exists, there should be due process, not sudden demolition without proof.”
Supporters are calling on the Edo State Government to halt any further demolitions until investigations are completed and legal frameworks followed.
Many have also appealed to the revered Oba of Benin to wade into the matter and protect law-abiding citizens from arbitrary actions.
The entrepreneur, who has built his business over several years, said he now faces the uphill task of starting over, but remains hopeful that justice will prevail.
“This is not just about me,” he said. “It’s about every Nigerian who wakes up every day to build something meaningful, only to have it destroyed in minutes without reason.”
The case continues to attract public attention as Nigerians question the growing trend of extrajudicial demolitions across the country.
