An Imo State High Court in Owerri has issued an order restraining the Imo State Government from continuing the demolition of the Owerri Central Market complex.

The ruling also prevents the government from evicting occupants of the market pending the outcome of the substantive suit.

Hon. Justice I.C. Ibeawuchi, presiding at the vacation court, directed the state government, its agents, and others acting on its behalf to halt further demolition activities or actions that could disrupt the ongoing legal proceedings.

The plaintiffs, including the Incorporated Board of Trustees of Rhema Life Ministry International and several property development firms, filed the case under suit number HOW/882/2024 to challenge the government’s ownership claims over the Central Market Layout. The case centers on allegations of forceful demolition and illegal ejection.

To enforce its directive, the court served Form 48 (Order IX, Rule 13), which warns of contempt charges and possible imprisonment for any disobedience of the court’s order. The directive emphasized maintaining the status quo and ensuring peace over the disputed property.

Speaking on behalf of the plaintiffs, counsel Christian Nwadigo expressed optimism about the case. “We believe the court will uphold justice to stop the impunity of land grabbing, illegal demolition, and ejection of property owners,” he said.

Nwadigo accused the state government of flouting the court’s directive by continuing construction activities on the disputed site. “There is evidence of illegal constructions carried out by the first and second defendants, violating the court’s order to maintain the status quo,” he stated.

When contacted for the government’s response, officials at the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development declined to comment, citing a lack of authorization to speak on the matter.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 23, 2025, under the Justice Akobundu-led High Court, where the rightful ownership of the property will be determined.

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