A court has issued a restraining order against Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and other parties, preventing them from proceeding with the demolition and eviction plans for the Central Market Layout in Owerri. The ruling also affects the Central Market Complex Development and Investment Company, Donez Global Services Ltd, Joe Jonny Joyson Enterprises Ltd, and the Nigerian Export-Import Bank.
The court order, granted pending the hearing and determination of a motion for an interlocutory injunction, stops any actions related to the forceful demolition or eviction of landowners and structure holders at the Central Market Layout, located in Umuohiadagu, Nekede, Owerri West Local Government Area.
Dr. Christian Nwadigo, representing the plaintiffs, who include the Incorporated Board of Trustees of Rhema Life Ministry International, Sunway Global Properties Ltd, Zero-One Global Properties Ltd, Ekpereamaka Jessica Nwankwo, and Nwankwo Emmanuel, confirmed that the plaintiffs possess valid certificates of occupancy issued by the Imo State Government. He criticized the state’s attempt to acquire the land forcibly, despite having previously granted the certificates through the Ministry of Land, Survey, and Urban Planning.
Nwadigo urged the state government to respect the court order and halt any further demolition activities or eviction attempts until the court hears the motion on notice. He emphasized that the plaintiffs are the rightful holders of the land and called on the state to cease using its agents to undermine their legal rights.
Efforts to get comments from government officials were largely unsuccessful. While the Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba, initially referred inquiries to the General Manager of the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), the OCDA GM declined to comment when contacted.
