Family alleges forceful eviction and assault without court order as landlord denies wrongdoing; police say investigation continues.
A 67-year-old pastor, Bolaji Olukotun, has died following a disputed eviction from his residence at Admiralty Homes Estate in Lekki, Lagos State.
The incident, which has sparked calls for a thorough investigation, allegedly occurred on Saturday, July 11, 2026, while the victim died in the early hours of the following day after he was rushed to a private hospital.
According to the deceased’s lawyer, Barrister Akpobome Deniran, the incident stemmed from a long-running dispute between Pastor Olukotun and his landlord over a rent-to-own agreement.
Deniran explained that the pastor had rented the apartment under an arrangement that would allow him to purchase the property after the expiration of his tenancy. However, after his lease expired, he was unable to meet the financial requirements to complete the purchase. The landlord subsequently decided to sell the property to another buyer and requested that he vacate the apartment.
The lawyer said he received a distress call from Pastor Olukotun at about 2:00 p.m. on July 11.
«”I’m dying, please come to the house, I’m dying,” the pastor reportedly told his lawyer in a weak and trembling voice.»
Upon arriving at the residence, Deniran said he found the pastor lying on the ground in severe pain, with his furniture, personal belongings and important documents scattered outside the building.
He alleged that more than seven suspected thugs, an armed mobile police officer, an estate agent identified as Blessing Idonor, and a prospective buyer identified as Mr. Smith (Murphy) were present at the scene.
According to him, the pastor was vomiting, groaning in pain and struggling to speak.
Deniran alleged that the individuals at the scene claimed the eviction was lawful and insisted the pastor had taken an unknown substance rather than being assaulted.
The lawyer maintained that no court order or warrant of execution had been obtained before the eviction and described the action as illegal.
He further alleged that when he attempted to photograph the incident, the accompanying police officer threatened him with a rifle, searched his phone and warned him against documenting the scene.
Deniran said efforts to evacuate the pastor were delayed by flooding within the estate before he was eventually transported to Udeko Medical Centre in the Chevron area of Lekki.
Despite receiving medical treatment, Pastor Olukotun later died.
The deceased’s son, Ayodeji Olukotun, also questioned the circumstances surrounding his father’s death, insisting eyewitnesses informed the family that estate agents, a police officer, suspected thugs and a prospective buyer entered the property before his father was found outside in critical condition.
He called on the police to conduct a comprehensive investigation and ensure everyone present during the incident is questioned.
However, the landlord’s solicitor, Caleb Onwe, denied allegations of forceful eviction.
According to him, officials visited the property alongside a police officer after the tenant had allegedly agreed to vacate the apartment. He claimed they found Pastor Olukotun already packing his belongings and in a weak condition inside the house.
Onwe further alleged that the deceased admitted taking an unknown substance before their arrival and insisted no assault occurred.
The Lagos State Police Command said it could not issue an official statement on the matter, explaining that the complainant did not return after initially reporting the incident.
The circumstances surrounding Pastor Bolaji Olukotun’s death remain disputed. While his family and lawyer insist he died as a result of injuries sustained during an unlawful and forceful eviction, the landlord’s representatives maintain that no assault or illegal eviction occurred.
Authorities are expected to continue investigations to establish the full facts surrounding the incident.
