A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has ruled against the Rivers State Government, ordering it to pay N1.1 billion in damages over the unlawful demolition and forceful takeover of properties belonging to waterfront residents in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.
The case, brought before the court by affected residents from Egede, Iruala, Elechi Phase One, and other communities, challenged the actions of the previous administration led by former Governor Nyesom Wike.
The residents had filed the suit in 2022, alleging that their fundamental human rights were violated when their homes were demolished without notice or compensation.
Delivering judgment, Justice Sika Aprioku held that the government acted unlawfully by failing to notify the residents before demolishing their properties.
The court also noted that the state could not prove it had legally acquired the land from the residents.
Additionally, the judge condemned the use of security forces and thugs to evict the residents and take over the land for urban development.
As part of the ruling, the court ordered the Rivers State Government to pay N900 million in compensation for the rights violations and an additional N200 million as a fine to the affected individuals.
Speaking after the judgment, the applicants’ lawyer, Tonye Igeri, a member of the Justice and Empowerment Initiative, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, describing it as a victory for justice and a significant step toward restoring hope for displaced victims.
However, a legal representative from the Rivers State Ministry of Justice declined to comment on the court’s decision.
