Justice Halilu Mu’azu, delivering the judgment on Monday in Maitama, declared that the demolition exercise carried out on September 5, 2024, was a breach of the constitutional rights of the affected citizens. He described the government’s actions as both “unauthorised and inhumane.”

The court also issued a permanent order restraining the FCTA from initiating any future demolition in the community without prior approval from a competent court or as mandated by law.

In addition to financial compensation, the judge directed the FCTA to provide relocation support to 20 individuals whose homes were directly affected, citing the emotional and economic trauma caused by the sudden evictions.

Legal representative for the community, Sylvester Ogbelu, praised the court’s decision as a reaffirmation of justice for vulnerable Nigerians. “This ruling restores confidence in the legal system. It’s a message that even the marginalised have rights that must be respected,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of proper procedures in urban development, stating, “We support progress, but not at the expense of people’s homes and dignity. Development must follow due process.”

The community’s secretary, Simon Baba-Yerimah, who was among those displaced, expressed relief and gratitude. “Our families have lived on that land for generations. Watching our homes reduced to rubble without fair warning was devastating. Today, justice has spoken,” he said.

He called on the authorities to honour the court’s directives promptly, urging the FCTA to provide alternative accommodation within their ancestral lands, as stipulated by the court.

“This ruling is not just a win for Kpaduma,” he added, “it’s a reminder that government actions must be accountable to the people they serve.”

Residents say they are also considering further legal action to claim additional damages caused by the unlawful demolition.

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Represented by their lawyer, Adetayo Bello Esq., the residents decried what they termed the FHA’s “alarming disregard for the rule of law.”

The controversy stems from a court injunction issued by Justice O.J. Awope of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, on September 11, 2023. The order explicitly restrained the FHA and its agents from demolishing properties in FESTAC Town’s 6th Avenue and other areas pending the resolution of a substantive suit (ID/7397GCM/2023).

Despite this directive, residents allege that FHA officials have resumed demolitions, resulting in property damage and distress within the community.

“This act not only represents a contempt of court but also a criminal abuse of power that can endanger public peace,” the residents stated through their legal counsel.

The residents urged the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the FHA Zonal Manager and his associates for contempt of court and other alleged offences. They also appealed for immediate police intervention to halt further demolitions and safeguard their rights and properties.

The residents emphasized that the FHA’s actions undermine public trust in the judiciary and violate the fundamental rights of property owners in the area. They expressed hope that the IGP would act decisively to uphold the rule of law and restore order to the affected community.

Efforts to obtain a response from the FHA have so far been unsuccessful. Residents, however, continue to await the intervention of relevant authorities to address the situation.

The post Residents Seek IGP’s Intervention Over Alleged Illegal Demolitions by FHA in FESTAC appeared first on Housing TV Africa.