An Imo State High Court in Owerri has issued an order restraining the state government from further demolition of the Owerri Central Market complex. The presiding judge, Justice I.C. Ibeawuchi, sitting at the vacation court, directed the state government and its agents to cease all actions involving the demolition or ejection of occupants from the market premises.
The court’s decision came after the plaintiffs filed Form 48 (Order IX, Rule 13), which highlights the consequences of disobedience to a court order. This notice warns that any violation of the court’s directive would amount to contempt, with offenders liable to imprisonment.
Justice Ibeawuchi emphasized the need for peace, stating that any action that would undermine the court’s ability to determine the substantive case must be avoided.
### Dispute Over Ownership
The case, marked HOW/882/2024, centers on the ownership of the Central Market Layout in Owerri. It was brought to court by the Incorporated Board of Trustees of Rhema Life Ministry International, Sunny Global Properties Nigeria Limited, Zero-One Global Properties Limited, Ekpereamaka Nwankwo, and Nwankwo Emmanuel.
The plaintiffs are challenging ownership claims by the Imo State Government and Governor Hope Uzodimma. They are also opposing what they describe as forceful demolition and illegal ejection of landowners.
### Counsel’s Remarks
Christian Nwadigo, counsel to the plaintiffs, expressed hope for a favorable outcome, accusing the state government of land grabbing and unlawful demolition. He urged the government to respect the court’s directive and maintain the status quo pending the case’s resolution.
Nwadigo alleged that despite the court’s order, illegal construction activities by the defendants continue in violation of the directive.
### Government’s Silence
Attempts to obtain comments from officials at the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development were unsuccessful, as staff declined to speak on the matter.
### Next Steps
The case has been adjourned to January 23, 2025, for determination by a High Court led by Justice Akobundu. Meanwhile, all parties have been cautioned to avoid actions that could disrupt the court proceedings or exacerbate the dispute.
