Enugu Court Fixes June 3 for Continuation of Case
The Enugu State High Court has adjourned the N14.5 billion lawsuit filed against former Minister of Power, Barth Nnaji, and one Okechukwu Nnaji over alleged demolition of properties belonging to members of the Nkomoro Onuogba Community in Enugu State.
Justice Veronica Ajogwu fixed June 3, 2026, for further proceedings after parties informed the court about pending processes requiring regularisation.
Defendants File Defence
Counsel for the defendants, Mr Benjamin Nwobodo, told journalists after the sitting that the defendants had already filed their statement of defence alongside a motion seeking extension of time.
According to him, Tuesday’s proceeding focused mainly on mentioning the case and setting a new hearing date.
“The first defendant has filed his defence. Today was only for mention, and the court adjourned the matter to June 3 for regularisation of processes,” he said.
Defence Cites Earlier Court Judgment
Nwobodo argued that the ownership dispute over the land had already been settled in court years earlier.
He explained that the original case began in 2001 when one Alinta sued members of the Ezza community over ownership of the disputed property.
Following Alinta’s death, his children continued the suit until the court delivered judgment in 2013 in their favour.
“The judgment confirmed Alinta as the rightful owner of the property. Before his death, he transferred his interest to Prof. Barth Nnaji,” Nwobodo stated.
He further maintained that officials carried out the demolition lawfully during execution of the court judgment and not on the direct instruction of Nnaji.
“If judgment grants me ownership of a property, I have the legal right to take possession. The court carried out the demolition lawfully with police backing,” he added.
Plaintiffs Seek Billions in Compensation
Meanwhile, counsel for the plaintiffs, Mr Peter Igwe, confirmed that the defence team served fresh court documents shortly before proceedings began.
He said the plaintiffs requested additional time to study the documents and prepare responses.
“We received their statement of defence and motion this morning before court sat. We needed time to review the processes properly,” Igwe explained.
The plaintiffs, who are 25 members of the Nkomoro Onuogba Community, accused the defendants of demolishing several buildings and destroying valuable property.
According to court filings, they seek compensation for 11 two-storey buildings, six three-storey buildings, 93 duplexes, and 170 bungalows allegedly demolished during the dispute.
Plaintiffs Demand Additional Damages
In addition, the plaintiffs are demanding N7 billion over the alleged deaths of seven persons linked to the crisis.
They also seek N3.4 billion for alleged looting of personal belongings, including motorcycles, televisions, air conditioners, sewing machines, mattresses, and household items.
Furthermore, the community members want the court to declare them rightful owners of the disputed ancestral land.
They also requested a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from interfering with the property in the future.
