In a landmark judgment, a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has ordered the Rivers State Government to pay N1.1 billion in damages for the unlawful demolition of properties and the forceful seizure of land in the Mile One and Mile Two waterfront areas.
These demolitions, executed under the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike, displaced hundreds of families without prior notice or compensation.
The affected communities including Egede, Iruala, Elechi Phase One, Elechi Beach Waterfront, Nanka, Ogwu Waterfront, Okwele, and Soku Waterfront took legal action in 2022, arguing that the demolitions violated their fundamental human rights. After years of legal battles, Justice Sika Aprioku ruled in their favor, declaring that the state government had no legal basis for the demolitions and failed to compensate the rightful landowners.
Court Condemns Government’s Actions
Delivering the verdict, Justice Aprioku strongly criticized the government’s actions, stating they were unjustified and violated due process. The ruling denounced the use of police force in evicting residents and seizing land under the pretense of urban renewal. The court also pointed out that no alternative housing was provided for those displaced, leaving many families in dire conditions.
As part of the judgment, the court awarded N900 million in compensation to the victims for the violation of their rights. Additionally, the Rivers State Government was fined N200 million, reinforcing the need for government accountability in handling land and housing issues. Legal experts have hailed this ruling as a significant step toward justice and a warning that authorities must follow due process.
Legal Representatives React
Following the verdict, Tonye Igeri, counsel for the applicants and a member of the Justice and Empowerment Initiative, welcomed the decision. He acknowledged that the case faced several obstacles, including attempts by certain Port Harcourt chiefs to interfere, but persistence led to victory. According to him, the ruling is a turning point in Nigeria’s housing rights advocacy.
However, Igeri cautioned that the real challenge is ensuring the government complies with the court’s ruling and pays the awarded compensation. He noted that many victims lost everything, with some even passing away while waiting for justice. His team remains committed to ensuring the funds reach the affected families.
Broader Implications for Urban Development
Beyond compensation, the case has sparked nationwide discussions about how governments handle urban development and land acquisitions. Igeri urged policymakers to learn from this ruling and put an end to forced evictions without due process. He emphasized the need for a more humane approach that ensures displaced residents receive relocation plans or fair compensation before demolitions occur.
This ruling is a significant victory for communities impacted by unlawful government actions. It reinforces the importance of accountability and sets a legal precedent for future cases. For the displaced residents, this judgment represents a hard-fought win, but their journey toward rebuilding their lives is just beginning.
