The controversy surrounding the suspected gang renting out apartments under the Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi, Lagos, has taken a new turn as Gbenga Oluwafemi, purportedly the landlord and alleged leader of the operation, refuted claims of collecting exorbitant rent charges from residents.
In a video circulated by News Central on Sunday, Oluwafemi, popularly known as “Mopol,” dismissed allegations of receiving N250,000 per annum as rent for the apartments.
He asserted his familiarity with influential figures within Dolphin Estate and denied any involvement in rent collection.
Oluwafemi shed light on the history of the establishment, revealing that the blue container housing the apartments had been in place for about 15 years, with the support of the previous government.
He recounted an encounter with Festus Keyamo, during which the legal practitioner pledged assistance for their survival, leading to the construction of the container.
Contrary to claims by some residents, Oluwafemi denied ever accepting rent payments from tenants, emphasizing his disbelief in the notion that he would continue residing in the area if he were collecting such substantial sums.
Meanwhile, residents interviewed in the video provided conflicting accounts, with one individual, identified as Sola, naming “Mopol” as his landlord who allegedly charged N250,000 in rent.
Another resident, Johnson Kenneth, disclosed making a N50,000 deposit before the government intervention.
The discovery of a December 2022 receipt bearing “OLUWAFEMI” as the letterhead and phone number, documenting a payment of N150,000 for a room, added to the complexity of the situation.
The Lagos State Government, in its efforts to address the issue, revealed plans to apprehend suspected gang leaders involved in renting out the 86 apartments.
Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (retd.), Commander of the Kick Against Indiscipline in Lagos State, condemned the illicit activities, describing them as sabotage against government infrastructure.
Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the discovery of 86 partitioned rooms under the bridge, underscoring the magnitude of the operation and the need for decisive action to safeguard public assets.
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