March 5, 2013 Prof.

Bem Angwe Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission 9 Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja Federal Capital Territory Dear Prof. Angwe: URGENT PETITION RE: MASS FORCED EVICTION IN BADIA EAST, LAGOS I write urgently regarding an ongoing demolition of the Badia East community in the Apapa-Iganmu Local Government Area of Lagos State. The Social and Economic Rights Action Center (SERAC) stands as Counsel of record to members of the community. We have been instructed to file an urgent petition to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to seek an investigation into and adjudication of the actual and threatened violation of thousands of East Badia residents fundamental and human rights including the right to fair hearing, right to housing, right to dignity, right to food, right to work, right to adequate standard of living, and right to private and family life. On Saturday, February 23, 2013, the Lagos State Government began a massive demolition exercise in the Oke-Ilu-Eri area and portions of the neighboring Ajeromi area of Badia East community. None of the residents whose homes have been demolished numbering in the thousands thus far received prior notice of the demolition. Indeed, the events leading up to the demolition suggest that the Lagos State Government is acting in collusion with the Ojora Chieftaincy Family to forcibly take over the land comprised within Badia East for a purported housing project of doubtful public purpose. Since the demolition, there has been no effort by the Lagos State Government to provide any emergency shelter, food or other relief to the displaced residents, or consult with them about compensation or any short-or long-term resettlement plans. Instead, the Governor of Lagos State left over hundreds of homeless residents who marched to his office on February 25, 2013, outside the gates of his office for five hours without ever appearing. Senior officials of the Ministry of Housing and Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development continue to publicly deny that people were living in the demolished areas. Meanwhile, they have announced that two further phases of demolition are to follow. For further details, please find the following documents attached:
Urgent letter from SERAC to Governor Fashola and others, February 22, 2013 Urgent action issued by SERAC, February 23, 2013, 10am Press release issued by SERAC, February 24, 2013 Press release issued by SERAC, February 28, 2013 Newspaper articles from the Guardian, Vanguard, New York Times, and AP Motion papers filed on February 28, 2013, seeking to restrain further demolitions

Plot 758 Chief Thomas Adeboye Drive Omole Phase 2 Isheri Lagos Postal P.O. Box 13616 Ikeja-Lagos Nigeria Tel: 234.1.764.4299 info@serac.org www.serac.org

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In anticipation of a prompt and diligent response from the NHRC in light of the urgency of the situation, please note that SERAC stands ready to offer further information/evidence, including photographs and video footage of the community before, during and after the demolition. The affected residents and community leaders of Badia East are eager to provide to the NHRC their account of the events herein described. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. Yours sincerely,

Felix Morka, Esq. Executive Director Cc: Prof. Chidi Odinkalu Chairman, NHRC Badia East Community

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