NIDMECORP advocates for strategic transformation of crime-linked buildings into rehabilitation and empowerment centres.
In light of the recent demolition of a building allegedly used for the illegal harvesting of human organs, among other illegal and criminal activities, an urgent call has been made to rethink how society responds to properties linked with such serious crimes.
Speaking on behalf of NIDMECORP (the International Organisation for Nationals In Diaspora Mentoring Corp), Mentoring Cmdt Alistair called on government authorities at both state and federal levels to halt the practice of demolishing crime-linked buildings and instead embrace a progressive approach that turns such structures into resources for healing, empowerment, and societal developmental growth.
While no society can or should tolerate acts such as kidnapping, ritual killings, human trafficking, and proceeds of crimes, the destruction of valuable buildings—often worth tens or hundreds of millions of naira—represents a missed opportunity. These structures can serve as centres for trauma recovery, youth rehabilitation, health centres, law enforcement training, or NGOs focused on social justice and victim support.
In recent years, several states in Nigeria have adopted demolition policies targeting properties associated with crime:
Many States in the nation have demolished houses in local areas and other places allegedly used by kidnappers; sanctioned the demolition of buildings linked with crime syndicates and activities.
Major cities around the country too have seen similar actions by authorities removing structures tied to criminal acts.
While these actions are often celebrated as symbolic justice, they deny communities the chance to repurpose those assets for social upliftment. For example, a N50 million building demolished becomes rubble, safety hazards and in need of government to clear the challenge —but if converted, it could serve thousands through community programs, emergency shelters, or training initiatives.
An Alternative Vision from NIDMECORP –
Alistair added, “NIDMECORP envisions a better approach. Rather than erasing these properties from existence, we propose that they be”:
Confiscated by government as part of legal due process.
Transferred to ministries or registered NGOs for appropriate repurposing.
Transformed into symbols of recovery, providing services to victims and promoting awareness against such crimes.
*”Such a policy would not only save financial resources but would also be a strong moral and social response—demonstrating a commitment to redemption and renewal rather than vengeance”*, he concluded.
Speaking further, International Cmrd Godson Azu said, “NIDMECORP respectfully urges policymakers, lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to consider this transformative model. Let us break the cycle of destruction and instead build pillars of hope from the remnants of tragedy”.
Let the spaces once abused become strongholds of healing.
Let those walls, once echoing with pain, now shelter hope and progress.
Let our justice not just punish — but teach, transform, and renew.
….ENDS.
NIDMECORP – An International Organisation for National and Continental Development
Email – nidmecorp@gmail.com