Ikoyi building collapse: ‘Only 15 floors were approved,’ says Lagos agency, as three now confirmed dead, four alive

General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Mr. Gbolahan Oki, has claimed that the owner of the collapsed 21-storey building in Ikoyi was originally given approval to construct only 15 floors.

This is also as it emerged that the said owner of the property may be among the trapped persons inside the collapsed high-rise building which caved in Monday afternoon, in the Ikoyi area of Lagos.

According to the LASBCA boss, the owner of the collapsed 21-storey building on Gerrard Road was given approval to construct only 15 floors in the building.

Oki also said that the owner of the property has been arrested and would face the law because people have died in the disaster.

“He got an approval for a 15-storey building and he exceeded his limit. I am on ground here and the materials he used are so inferior and terrible.

“The materials he used, the reinforcement, are so terrible. He got approval for 15 floors but built 21.

“I think he has been locked down. He has been arrested before now,” he said.

The GM further confirmed that four people were rescued alive and three people died, adding that rescue efforts were still ongoing.

“We are still here and have four machines working as at this moment,” he said.

At least 50 people are reportedly trapped under the rubble after the building collapsed.

The building, located at 20, Gerrard Road, collapsed at about 3p.m. on Monday.

The collapsed building was part of three towers being built by private developer, Fourscore Homes.

Fourscore Homes and Investment Limited, according to Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) documents, is owned by businessman, Mr. Olufemi Adegoke Osibona.

His company was incorporated in Ojota, Nigeria with Registration Number 412217, and registered on 24 May 2001.

He is also said to be the older brother of Mr Lanre Osibona, a Special Assistant to the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.

In a brochure for potential clients, the company promises to offer ‘a stress-free lifestyle, complete with a hotel flair.’

The cheapest unit was selling for at least N500 million.