The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court of Justice in Maitama has ordered the FCT Administration to pay ₦200 million in damages to residents of Kpaduma community, whose houses were demolished by government officials on September, 2024.
Hon. Justice H. Mu’azu pronounced the judgment on Monday, unequivocally stating that the FCTA’s actions on September 5, 2024, violated the fundamental rights of the residents.
He further issued a permanent injunction, restraining the FCTA from any future invasion of Kpaduma for demolition purposes unless strictly authorised by a court order or existing law.
Justice Mu’azu also ordered the FCT Administration to resettle the 20 directly affected residents to a new location, recognising the irreparable harm caused by the destruction of their homes.
Counsel for the Kpaduma residents, Sylvester Ogbelu, hailed the judgment as a restoration of hope and justice. “The court has restored hope to the applicants who were losing hope. To the applicants who were in sorrow, my Lord has brought joy. That means the court is still the last hope of the common man,” he said.
He emphasised the court’s order for the FCTA to relocate the displaced residents.
“The minister must provide alternative accommodation for the victims within their ancestral land. We are not against development, but due process must be followed. The court rightly ordered that they should not be rendered homeless,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the FCTA’s compliance, Ogbelu added, “The minister is a senior lawyer who respects court orders. We trust that the judgment will be obeyed.”
Simon Baba-Yerimah, secretary of the Kpaduma community and one of the affected residents, rejoiced over the ruling.
“Today is a day of victory. I have always believed in the judiciary, and this judgment proves that the law protects the common man,” he said.
Recounting their ordeal, Baba-Yerimah said, “Our families have lived here for over 100 years. For the government to mark our houses on September 4 and demolish them the next day was cruel and unlawful. But today, justice has prevailed.”
He urged the FCTA to comply fully with the judgement, “We pray the authorities respect the court’s decision. This ruling is constitutional, and we expect full compensation and resettlement as ordered.”
The residents said they would pursue additional claims for damages caused by the demolition.
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