Justice Veronica Ajogwu of the Enugu State High Court has adjourned hearing in a N14.5 billion suit filed against former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, over the alleged demolition of properties.
The claimants—25 members of the Nkomoro Onuogba Nike Community in Enugu State instituted the action against Prof. Nnaji and Okwuchukwu Nnaji, alleging unlawful destruction of their property.
At the resumed proceedings, counsel to the claimants, Mr Peter Igwe, informed the court that the defendants had been duly served with originating processes and subsequent hearing notices since 2025 but had neither entered an appearance nor filed any statement of defence.
“My Lord, the defendants have been properly served with all relevant court processes, yet they have failed to respond or participate in these proceedings,” counsel submitted.
He further noted that the matter was last adjourned on March 11, 2026, and that the defendants were served accordingly, urging the court to fix a definite date for hearing.
Justice Ajogwu subsequently adjourned the matter to May 12, 2026, for hearing and directed that fresh hearing notices be served on the defendants.
Court documents indicate that the claimants are seeking N14.5 billion in damages for properties allegedly demolished by the defendants. The properties include 11 two-storey buildings, six three-storey buildings, 93 duplexes, and 170 bungalows, each estimated at an average value of N50 million.
The claimants are also seeking N7 billion as compensation for seven persons alleged to have died in connection with the incident, valued at N1 billion per deceased.
In addition, they are claiming N3.4 billion for the alleged looting and destruction of personal effects, including household appliances, motorcycles, and other valuables.
The reliefs sought further include a declaration affirming the claimants’ ownership of the disputed Nkomoro Onuogba land, which they say is ancestral property inherited from their forebears.
They are also asking the court to grant a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, privies, or assigns from further trespass or interference with the said land.
