Court awards N1.1bn against Rivers govt over unlawful demolition of properties by Wike’s government

In a groundbreaking decision, the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has ruled against the state government, awarding N1.1 billion in damages to waterfront community residents whose homes were unlawfully demolished.

As reported by The Guardian, the lawsuit was filed in 2022 by displaced residents from Egede, Iruala, Elechi Phase One, and neighboring areas, who accused the state of violating their fundamental rights. Their properties were demolished under the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike without prior notice or any form of compensation.

Justice Sika Aprioku, in delivering the judgment, criticized the state government for failing to notify the affected residents and for its inability to establish ownership of the demolished land. The court also condemned the use of security forces and hired enforcers to evict the residents.

The ruling mandates the government to pay N900 million for infringing on the residents’ rights, along with an additional N200 million as damages.

Tonye Igeri, legal counsel for the affected residents and a representative of the Justice and Empowerment Initiative, welcomed the judgment, calling it a significant victory. However, the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, which defended the government in court, declined to issue any statement regarding the ruling.