Enugu Government Sued Over Nsukka Market Demolition Plans

The Enugu State government’s plan to demolish the Ogige Nsukka Market has been met with legal action as the Law Hub Development and Advocacy Center, Abuja, and the Ositadinma Okoro Empowerment Foundation have taken the matter to a state High Court in Nsukka. The lawsuit follows the issuance of a 72-hour eviction notice to shop owners and building occupants in the market, aimed at clearing the area for a modern transport terminal.

This move has sparked significant backlash, with both federal and state lawmakers expressing opposition. Despite public outcry, the government’s silence has led to the current legal challenge.

In the lawsuit, marked No. N/73/2024, the plaintiffs demand the court to mandate the state government to compensate affected parties with N50 billion. The suit names Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and the state’s Attorney General as respondents, alleging a “gross violation of fundamental rights” and the unjustified eviction of over 10,000 traders who have significantly invested in the market over the past 50 years.

The plaintiffs are also seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent the government and its agents from further intimidating or displacing the traders. Counsel to the applicants, Olu Omotayo, along with J.E. Akubue and Desmond Kakaan, emphasized the traders’ long-standing peaceful presence and the abrupt, military-style notice to vacate issued on May 22, 2024.

The court filing describes the government’s actions as reminiscent of the military era and calls for urgent judicial intervention to protect the traders’ rights and halt the demolition plans.