Eleven residents and businesses in Enugu State have taken legal action against Governor Peter Mbah, challenging his plans to demolish their properties, businesses, and homes leased to them by the Nigerian Railway Corporation. The lawsuit, marked No/FHC/EN/CS/168/2023 and filed at the Federal High Court, seeks the interpretation of relevant land use laws and an injunction to protect the rights of the occupants.
In the suit, Messrs. U. Maduka & 11 Ors V. Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority & 6 Ors, the plaintiffs raise questions regarding the Enugu State Government’s authority over federal lands and request a perpetual injunction to prevent any interference with their rights. The lawsuit challenges the legality of notices ordering removal issued by the government.
The plaintiffs, through their counsel, have formulated questions for determination and sought five reliefs, including a declaration that the state government lacks the authority to order the removal of buildings along Market Road and Okpara Avenue in Enugu.
In response to the legal challenge, Governor Peter Mbah and the Enugu State Government have initiated their legal proceedings against the Nigeria Railways Corporation and other occupants. The government alleges illegal activities, environmental hazards, pollution, and degradation within a specific area, seeking a declaration of the activities as unconstitutional.
Addressing journalists, one of the plaintiffs’ counsels, Bona Ononugbo, criticized the government’s abuse of power, highlighting that the government failed to disclose crucial facts about the ownership of the land and the proposed bus terminal project. He accused the government of having “sinister motives” and lacking “honesty and transparency.”
The legal battle intensifies as both parties present their cases in court, with the affected residents seeking justice and protection of their rights against the government’s planned demolitions.
