By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

NNEWI — The Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, has awarded ₦5 million in damages against the Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Emeka Orji, and other respondents for violating the fundamental rights of Lake Petroleum Limited following the demolition of its property.

Delivering judgment in Suit No. FHC/Awka/CS/75/2024, Justice B.M.K. Mohammed held that the actions of the respondents amounted to a breach of the applicant’s constitutional rights.

The respondents in the case include the Anambra State Government, the Attorney General of Anambra State, the Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Emeka Orji, and the Inspector General of Police.

The case arose from the demolition of shops and buildings belonging to Lake Petroleum Limited at Ndende Land along Niger Street, Onitsha South Local Government Area.

According to court records, the company had earlier obtained an interim injunction restraining further actions on the disputed land after the demolition incident.

In his ruling, Justice Mohammed held that the respondents acted unlawfully and violated the applicant’s rights to property, awarding ₦5 million damages against them jointly and severally in favour of Lake Petroleum Limited.

The court also issued a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from further interference with the applicant’s property rights.

Reacting to the judgment, counsel to the applicant, Charles A. Arinze of Centurion Law Practice, who spoke on behalf of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Jay Jay Ezeuko (SAN), described the ruling as a reaffirmation of judicial independence and the rule of law.

He said the court found that the applicant’s rights to both movable and immovable property had been violated, allegedly through the use of force and destruction of property.

Arinze commended the court for what he described as a courageous decision, noting that the ruling reinforces legal protections against unlawful demolition and interference with private property.

He added that the judgment serves as a reminder that government institutions and officials are bound by law in their actions and must respect citizens’ rights.