The General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Mr Gbolahan Oki, says the owner of the collapsed 21-storey building, under construction in Ikoyi, was given approval to construct only 15 floors.
Oki 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,” he said.
The GM said 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 21-storey building collapsed in Ikoyi, Lagos State.
The building, located at 20, Gerrard Road, collapsed about 3 p.m. on Monday.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said it has established contact with some of the victims trapped in the 21-storey building.
Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, NEMA Coordinator, South West, disclosed this to newsmen as the rescue operation in search of the victims intensified.
Farinloye said that the victim, who spoke to one of his relatives and confirmed by the rescue team, said some of them gathered around the mustard point in the building when it collapsed.
He noted that rescue operations had intensified, but with caution, to ensure that victims who were still alive would come out unhurt.
