Court restrains Imo government from demolishing market

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, along with Donez Global Services Ltd, Joe Jonny Joyson Enterprises Ltd, and the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, has been legally restrained from advancing any actions related to the forced demolition and eviction of the legitimate owners of the Central Market Layout land in Owerri. This injunction is in effect until the court hears and decides on the motion for an interlocutory injunction filed by the applicants.

On Thursday, Dr. Christian Nwadigo, representing the plaintiffs’ legal team, explained that the plaintiffs—Incorporated Board of Trustees of Rhema Life Ministry International, Sunway Global Properties Ltd, Zero-One Global Properties Ltd, Ekpereamaka Jessica Nwankwo, and Nwankwo Emmanuel—had been issued a certificate of occupancy by the Imo State Government. The government is now attempting to forcibly acquire the land without acknowledging this certificate, which was granted through the Ministry of Land, Survey, and Urban Planning.

Nwadigo urged the state government to halt further demolition activities on the land located at Central Market Layout, Umuohiadagu, Nekede, Owerri West Local Government Area. He stated that the plaintiffs hold the legitimate certificate of occupancy and have notified the governor, Attorney General, Commissioner of Police, and Commissioner of Land of the court’s order.

He called for the Imo State Government to adhere to the court order and refrain from any further action regarding the land until the court has ruled on the motion for an interlocutory injunction.