Land Dispute – The Enugu State High Court, presided over by Justice Veronica Ajogwu, has adjourned further hearing in a N14.5 billion civil suit involving a disputed parcel of land in Enugu East Local Government Area to May 12, 2026.
The suit was instituted by 25 individuals representing members of the Nkomoro Onuogba community, who are seeking compensation for alleged property losses, a declaration of ownership of the disputed land, and other reliefs arising from the conflict.
At the resumed hearing, counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. Peter Igwe, told the court that the defendants had been served with court processes since 2025 but had not entered appearance or filed any defence. He urged the court to proceed with hearing the matter. The court, however, ordered that fresh hearing notices be issued to ensure proper service before continuation of proceedings.
Court filings indicate that the plaintiffs are alleging that residential buildings were affected in the course of events surrounding the land dispute. They are also seeking compensation for items they claim were lost, as well as damages connected to deaths of persons they describe as community members, which they allege are linked to the dispute. The claims remain unproven and are subject to judicial determination.
They are further asking the court to declare them the rightful customary owners of the land, which they say has been inherited and occupied by their families for generations, and to restrain further interference with the property.
In response, counsel to the defendants disputed the claim that they were properly served before the latest hearing date. The defence stated that they only became aware of the proceedings in late April 2026 through external inquiry.
The defence further argued that the subject matter of the suit has been previously determined in earlier proceedings and is currently before an appellate court. It maintained that instituting fresh proceedings raises procedural concerns, including duplication of matters already decided.
Justice Ajogwu did not make any pronouncement on the substantive issues in the Enugu land dispute case but stressed the importance of proper service and orderly hearing before continuation.
No findings have been made by the court regarding ownership, liability, or the allegations raised by either party. The land dispute matter was adjourned to May 12, 2026, for further hearing.
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