Following the detention of property mogul, Richard Nyong, over the collapse of a five-storey building under construction on Kushenla Road, Ikate Elegushi that led to the death of no fewer than 34 persons on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, some Nigerian celebrities celebs have expressed their displeasure as regards the apprehension and remandment of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Gardens, whose company is in charge the collapsed building.

Cool FM OAP, Freeze, was one of the first to voice out his opinion on the issue. The outspoken broadcaster stated that he has no qualms seeing a young man who committed a crime pay for that crime butRichard shouldn’t have been taken to court in handcuffs and remanded in prison when that ‘prophet’ whose building collapsed and killed more people than Ebola is walking free.

Richard Nyong

Similarly, Nigerian popular comedian, Seyi Law has also weighed in with his own opinion. The humour merchant, who took to his Facebook wall to express his view, feels that Richard ought not to have been treated that way.

‘It will not be wrong to say that my judgement can be crowded by my emotions on the recent happening with Lekki Gardens as Mr. Richard Nyong, the MD is a friend. I must sincerely express my deep and hearfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of the deceaseds and those injured in the collapsed building.

‘I am also of the opinion that the law takes its due course and everyone be given equal rights. I don’t want to go into the details of this as Freeze, one of the best OAPs in this country has spoken about it already. I can say for sure that I can testify to the good intentions of Mr. Richard Nyong in the provision of affordable housing for the benefits of Nigerians.

‘I don’t mean to insult the intelligence of anybody. I beg to say that Mr. Richard deserves to be treated right until the court makes any pronouncement. My prayers is with him and the families of those affected by this unfortunate incident. God bless you all,‘ he wrote on his timeline

Richard and his contractor in handcuff while being taken to court.

In the same vein, Basketmouth‘s wife, Elsie Okpocho is not pleased with the situation, stating that Richard is innocent and doesn’t deserve the unpleasant treatment.

‘His name is Richard Nyong,the managing Director of Lekki Gardens, the construction company in charge of the 5-storey building which collapsed on Tuesday…… many of us right now would go with the information d media gives….but then, that is the much they know….the truth some of us know and are very sure of is that  Richard’s best friend was put in charge of this said project but he did a very bad job so it was taken away from him and given to another contractor to handle….

‘This particular building was already marked as defective because of the sub-standard materials that were used. Richard had even signed a contract with another company to repair it. But it was so unfortunate that the labourers had made the place their home since they had nowhere to live and this was definitely against the company’s policy.

‘Labourers were supposed to leave the site at 6pm and resume at 8am,this building collapsed at 3am. The truth needs to be told and heard, pls let Justice be done appropriately, this man right here is innocent…..and may the Souls of the departed rest in peace,’ Elsie posted on her Instagram along the photo of Richard.

Olaleye Dada, a popular sports analyst/presenter, is also one of the celebs who believe that the treatment Richard is getting from Nigerian Police is harsh, while comparing his case to that of Prophet T.B Joshua of The Synagogue Church of All Nations. On his Facebook, he wrote:‘Lekki gardens MD in prison cos of 35 that died in his building& TB Joshua abi na constructor is not in prison after about 100 died in his building? Na wa o!‘Man of God, Pastor, Alfa,Government official, President,ordinary citizen etc, we are all equal in front of GOD… if you do “mago-mago” justice on earth, you will get your full packaged punishment when you die.’

Reacting to why he was detained, a Lagos Lawyer, Femi Agbaje said: ‘It is a bailable offense. He’s yet to be arraigned. He was taken to court the other day to get an approval for his detention, pending the time the police are through with their investigations.’It is an unfortunate case, he should have been allowed to get a bail, but I think the police are being careful too.’

Richard and his contractor in the dock of Magistrate Court, Ebute Metta.

Richard Nyong, 34, is a graduate of Economics from the University of Port Harcourt, who has recorded a huge success in the real estate industry.

Nyong, who sits on the board of several blue chip companies, is also a proud product of Pastor Sam Adeyemi’s Daystar Leadership Academy.

With over a decade experience in the real estate sector, Nyong’s multi-billion dollar Lekki Gardens Estate Limited, also consults, develops and manages prime property for a wide range of clientele.

Aside the popular Lekki Gardens, Nyong is also the brain behind Ikoyi Gardens, Mainland Gardens, Port Harcourt Gardens and Richards Court estates.