A Federal High Court in Awka has awarded ₦5 million in damages against the Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Emeka Orji, and other respondents in a fundamental rights enforcement case brought by Lake Petroleum Limited.
The judgment was delivered by Justice B.M.K. Mohammed in Suit No. FHC/AWK/CS/75/2024. The case was instituted against the Anambra State Government, the State Attorney General, the Onitsha South LGA Chairman, and the Inspector General of Police.
The dispute stemmed from the demolition of buildings and shops belonging to Lake Petroleum Limited at Ndende Land along Niger Street in Onitsha South.
According to the applicant, the 2024 demolition exercise affected over 2,300 structures and displaced about 4,000 traders and sand miners operating in the area. The company also reported that goods and equipment worth millions of naira were destroyed.
Prior to the final judgment, the court had issued an interim injunction restraining further actions on the property pending the outcome of the case.
Speaking after the ruling, counsel to the applicant, Charles Arinze, representing the principal counsel Jay Jay Ezeuko (SAN), described the judgment as a victory for the rule of law.
He noted that the court found that the applicant’s fundamental rights to both movable and immovable property had been violated.
The court declared the actions of the respondents illegal and unconstitutional, awarded general damages, and issued a perpetual injunction restraining them from further interference with the applicant’s property rights.
Arinze commended the judiciary for upholding justice and constitutional rights, while also praising his client for seeking legal redress rather than resorting to self-help.
About Author
