In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves through Rivers State, a High Court in Port Harcourt has ordered the state government to pay a staggering N1.1 billion in damages for the unlawful demolition of properties and the forced acquisition of land from residents of the Mile One and Two waterfronts. This decision comes after a 2022 lawsuit filed by the affected communities, who accused the Nyesom Wike-led government of violating their human rights in a brutal land grab under the guise of urban renewal.
The judgment, handed down by Justice Sika Aprioku, focused on the government’s failure to provide any prior notification or compensation to the residents before their homes were demolished. The court was particularly critical of the state’s use of police force to forcibly evict families, leaving many without shelter and pushing them into destitution.
The affected neighborhoods, including Egede, Iruala, Elechi Beach, Nanka, and Ogwu Waterfront, had their properties demolished without any clear evidence that the state had lawfully acquired the land from the residents. The court noted that the government failed to prove it had purchased the land, adding further weight to the residents’ claims of injustice.
In its ruling, the court awarded N900 million as compensation to the victims for the violation of their rights and imposed an additional N200 million fine on the Rivers State Government. This ruling marks a significant victory for the victims, many of whom had lost their homes and livelihoods during the demolitions.
Tonye Igeri, legal counsel for the applicants and a member of the Justice and Empowerment Initiative, expressed his satisfaction with the judgment, emphasizing that the ruling would provide much-needed hope and justice for the victims, some of whom had lost everything. “This is a major step toward restoring the dignity of the affected communities,” Igeri stated.
The case, which began in 2022, faced numerous hurdles, including attempts by some local chiefs to join the case, which the court ultimately dismissed. Despite these challenges, Igeri remained hopeful, saying, “To God be the glory, the judgment has been delivered in favor of the applicants.”
The next phase will focus on ensuring that the awarded compensation is paid, with Igeri stressing the urgency of the matter: “Some of the victims have died, and others have lost everything. This compensation will provide them with some relief.”
In his closing remarks, Igeri also called on the government to be more transparent and considerate in future development projects. “When carrying out such exercises, it’s crucial to identify affected individuals and provide them with adequate compensation or alternative housing,” he advised.
The court’s ruling serves as a powerful reminder to government officials that the rights of citizens must be upheld, no matter the scale of the project.
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