The Lagos State government has threatened the arrest and prosecution of individuals or groups violating the laws requiring them to obtain the necessary legal permits to erect new buildings or convert existing ones for other uses.

Gbolahan Oki, the general manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), gave the warning while reacting to a building with an illegal attachment that collapsed in the Mushin axis of the state on Wednesday.

He explained that a preliminary investigation on the two-story building with an illegal attachment which collapsed under construction thereby affecting a nearby bungalow, indicated that substandard materials were used for the infrastructure, adding that LASBCA had previously served a stop-work order and quit notice on the building which was subsequently sealed but was disobeyed by the property owner.

According to him, the owner of the building, however, decided to break the government seal to continue the illegal construction, stressing that appropriate action to be taken could include the demolition of other defective structures within the compound, prosecution and seizure of the property to redress the situation.

The general manager implored residents in the area to desist from erecting any building without requisite permits and stop acting against the law by removing the government seal on defective buildings as such an untoward act is illegal and capable of putting lives at risk.

Oki debunked losing a baby at the collapsed site, stressing that no life was lost due to the prompt response by the agency and other emergency responders, while occupants who sustained injuries were being given medical attention in a medical facility.

Oki warned developers and property owners against illegal constructions and conversions, especially attachments to existing buildings without approval and strict supervision by the agency.