The Enugu State High Court has adjourned proceedings in the ₦14.5 billion lawsuit filed against former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, over the alleged demolition of properties belonging to members of the Nkomoro Onuogba Nike Community in Enugu East Local Government Area.
The case, which came up for mention on Tuesday before Justice Veronica Ajogwu, was adjourned until June 3, 2026, to allow both parties regularize their legal processes following the filing of a statement of defence and a motion for extension of time by the defendants.
The plaintiffs, comprising 25 members of the Nkomoro Onuogba Nike Community, are seeking ₦14.5 billion in damages over the destruction of houses and alleged loss of lives linked to a long-running land dispute in the area.
According to court documents, the claimants are demanding ₦4.1 billion as compensation for the alleged demolition of multiple residential structures, including duplexes, bungalows, and multi-storey buildings.
The community members are also seeking ₦7 billion in damages over the alleged deaths of seven persons said to have occurred during the crisis surrounding the disputed land.
An additional ₦3.4 billion is being sought for the alleged looting and destruction of personal property, including household appliances, electronics, motorcycles, and other valuables.
Counsel to the defendants, Mr. Benjamin Nwobodo, argued that Prof. Nnaji acted within the law and had no personal involvement in the alleged demolition activities.
He maintained that the disputed land was legally acquired in 2005 from the late Chief Hyacinth Alinta and that ownership rights were affirmed in a 2013 court judgment.
According to the defence, the execution of the judgment — including the clearing of structures on the land — was carried out lawfully by authorized court officials with security backing.
Nwobodo further described the plaintiffs as illegal occupants who allegedly encroached on the property after migrating from Ezza Nkomoro in Ebonyi State.
He said the land was intended for industrial development projects, including an automobile manufacturing facility and an independent power project linked to Prof. Nnaji’s business interests.
On the other hand, counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. Peter Igwe, informed the court that the defence processes were only served on his team on the morning of the hearing.
He requested additional time to properly study the documents and prepare an appropriate legal response.
The suit also seeks a perpetual injunction restraining Prof. Nnaji and his representatives from further interference with the disputed land, which the community claims is part of its ancestral territory.
The dispute, which escalated significantly in September 2024 following reported demolitions and protests, has drawn attention to rising tensions between private development interests and local land ownership claims in parts of Enugu State.
With the matter now adjourned to June 3, both parties are expected to intensify preparations as the legal battle over the controversial land dispute continues.
