The Enugu State High Court has mandated the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority to compensate Chinedu Onyebuchi with N55 million for the unauthorized demolition of his property in Enugu. Justice Kenneth Okpe, in suit No. E/124/2015, deemed the actions of the ECTDA as illegal, unconstitutional, and unwarranted. The plaintiff sought N80 million in damages but was awarded N30 million as special damages, covering rent refunds to tenants, rebuilding costs, and losses incurred. An additional N25 million was granted as general damages for emotional and financial distress. The court found the demolition unlawful, emphasizing that the law cited by the defense counsel was misapplied. It stated that the building had proper approval, making the demolition unjustified. The court issued an order of perpetual injunction against the defendant from interfering with the plaintiff’s property and directed them to pay the awarded damages. The case, initiated in July 2015, was represented by the Chief Legal Officer from the Ministry of Justice.
Court fines Enugu agency N55m for illegal demolition
