Ohha Microfinance Bank Limited is taking legal action against the Enugu State Government, claiming damages of N20.4 billion for the demolition of its headquarters and the destruction of valuable assets without compensation.
The bank alleges that the government violated its constitutional rights, particularly the right to own property, both movable and immovable. According to the lawsuit filed at the Enugu State High Court, the bank was given just 72 hours to vacate its corporate headquarters before it was demolished on May 15, 2024.
The lawsuit, led by the bank’s lawyer Olu Omotayo, demands multiple legal remedies, including a declaration that the demolition was illegal and unconstitutional. The bank is seeking N420 million in special damages for the loss of its assets, along with N20 billion in aggravated damages for the destruction of its properties.
Additionally, the bank is requesting 18% annual interest on the special damages from May 15, 2024, until the judgment is delivered, as well as 10% interest on the final judgment amount until fully paid.
In its suit, marked No. E/37/2025, Ohha Microfinance Bank also calls for a declaration that the actions of the Enugu State government and its Attorney-General were unlawful and unconstitutional, highlighting the violation of the bank’s rights to own property under the Constitution of Nigeria and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.
One of the plaintiff’s lawyers, Olu Omotayo, pointed out the contradiction between the state’s claim to be “investor-friendly” and its failure to compensate the bank for the destruction of its assets, which the bank has built over 27 years of investment.
This lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal battles against the Enugu State government regarding alleged unlawful demolitions without adequate compensation. No date has been set yet for a hearing.
