A Federal High Court sitting in Awka has awarded N5 million damages against the Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Mr Emeka Orji, and other respondents in a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Lake Petroleum Limited.
The presiding judge, Justice B.M.K. Mohammed, delivered the judgment in Suit No. FHC/AWK/CS/75/2024.
It was filed against the Anambra State Government, the State Attorney General, the Chairman of Onitsha South LGA and the Inspector General of Police.
The suit arose from the demolition of buildings and shops belonging to Lake Petroleum Limited at Ndende Land along Niger Street in Onitsha South Local Government Area.
The applicant alleged that the demolition, carried out in 2024, affected more than 2,300 buildings and shops.
He said it also displaced about 4,000 traders and sand miners who used the area for business and operational activities.
The company further claimed that equipment and goods worth millions of naira were destroyed during the exercise.
The court had earlier granted an interim injunction restraining further actions on the property pending determination of the matter.
Speaking with journalists after the judgment, counsel to the applicant, Mr Charles Arinze of Centurion Law Practice, G.E. Ezeuko, SAN & Co., described the ruling as a victory for the rule of law.
Arinze, who spoke on behalf of the principal counsel, Mr Jay Jay Ezeuko (SAN), said the court held that the applicant’s fundamental rights to movable and immovable property were violated.
According to him, the court declared the actions of the respondents illegal and unconstitutional and subsequently awarded general damages against them.
“The court also granted an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from further violation of our client’s rights to own property,” he said.
Justice was Served
Arinze commended the judiciary for what he described as courage in upholding justice and constitutional rights.
He also congratulated his client for pursuing legal redress instead of resorting to self-help, while applauding the legal team for ensuring justice prevailed.
