Enugu High Court adjourns to June 3 a N14.5bn land dispute and alleged demolition suit involving a former Nigerian Minister of Power and Nkomoro Onuogba community.
The Enugu State High Court has adjourned to June 3 further hearing in the N14.5 billion suit filed over alleged demolition of property in Nkomoro Onuogba Community, Enugu East Local Government Area.
The case, before Justice Veronica Ajogwu, was instituted by 25 members of the community against a former Nigerian Minister of Power and another defendant over disputed land ownership and claims arising from alleged demolition of buildings and loss of property.
When the matter came up on Tuesday, counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. Peter Igwe, requested more time to regularise their processes following service of defence documents earlier in the day.
“We were just served this morning by the defence counsel when the court was about to sit. So we need time to look into the processes served on us and respond adequately, even though we noted that they have not paid default fee for filing out of time,” Igwe told the court.
Counsel to the defendants, Mr. Benjamin Nwobodo, confirmed that the additional time would also enable the defence to regularise its filings.
Following submissions from both parties, Justice Ajogwu adjourned the matter to June 3 for continuation of hearing.
Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, Nwobodo argued that the dispute had already been determined by the court in an earlier judgment delivered in 2013.
According to him, the land was originally the subject of litigation instituted in 2001 by a previous owner identified as Alinta, whose family later continued the case after his death.
“The defendants then were served and judgment was given in 2013. The judgment was that Alinta was the owner of the property,” he said.
Nwobodo further stated that the interest in the land was subsequently transferred to the former minister and that execution of the judgment was carried out through lawful court processes.
“But the plaintiffs are talking about demolition of their property. If judgment is given to me over my property, it’s my right to take it or demolish it. It was demolished by the court and nothing else,” he added.
He also rejected allegations contained in the suit relating to deaths allegedly connected to the dispute, maintaining that such claims lacked legal foundation.
The plaintiffs, however, are asking the court to award compensation over properties they alleged were demolished during the dispute. Court documents show that the claims include compensation tied to residential buildings, personal property allegedly lost, and other damages sought by the community members.
They are also seeking a declaration recognising them as rightful owners of the disputed Nkomoro Onuogba land, which they claim to have inherited from their forebears and occupied for generations. In addition, the plaintiffs are asking for a perpetual injunction restraining further interference with the land.
No determination has yet been made by the court on the substantive claims and counterclaims presented by either side.
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