The affected residents, hailing from areas including Egede, Iruala, Elechi Phase One, Elechi Beach Waterfront, Nanka, Ogwu Waterfront, Okwele, and Soku Waterfront, filed a lawsuit in 2022, alleging a violation of their fundamental rights.
Justice Sika Aprioku, in his ruling on Wednesday, condemned the government's actions, stating that residents were not given prior notice of the demolitions and that the government failed to prove legal acquisition of the land. The court further criticized the government's failure to provide alternative housing or compensation, instead resorting to police force to seize the land for urban development.
The judge ordered the state government to pay N900 million in compensation for the rights violations and an additional N200 million as a fine.
Tonye Igeri, the residents' lawyer from the Justice and Empowerment Initiative, expressed satisfaction with the judgment. "This ruling restores hope to victims who were left homeless by the government's actions," Igeri told journalists. He emphasized the urgency of ensuring the victims receive the awarded sum, noting the significant losses and even deaths suffered by some.
"The court's advice to the government is clear: properly identify affected property owners, provide alternative shelter, or adequately compensate them before carrying out demolitions," Igeri stated.
A representative from the Rivers State Ministry of Justice declined to comment on the court's decision. This ruling marks a significant victory for the displaced residents, highlighting the importance of due process and respect for property rights in urban development.
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