By Ali Elias
An Enugu State High Court in Nsukka has issued an order preventing the state government from demolishing the property of Ifesinachi Transport Limited at Ogige Market in Nsukka.
Justice H.U. Ezugwu granted the restraining order after an ex parte application by Ifesinachi Transport Company Nigeria Limited, and Ifeanyi Mama, representing the late Igwe Ogbonna Mama’s family.
The family informed the court that the government had marked parts of Ogige Market for demolition, an action that has sparked widespread condemnation from traders and other stakeholders, for the government’s intended action, coupled with the short notice to vacate the premises.
The court in its ruling warned the state government and its agencies against demolishing the plaintiff’s property located on 51A, 51B and 51C, Enugu Road, Nsukka pending the determination of the motion on Notice.
The ruling reads, “That an order of Interim injunction restraining the defendants, by themselves, their servants, agents, privies, anybody acting or purporting to act on their behalf, from entering, demolishing or interfering with the plaintiffs’ properties known as No 5IA Enugu Road, Nsukka, Enugu State Plots 5IB & 5IC Enugu Road, Nsukka, Enugu State also known as Ifesinachi Transport Company park, Nsukka pending the hearing and determination of the motion on Notice.
“That an order for substituted service to wit; that all processes in this suit be served on the 2nd & 3rd respondents by registered post sent to the Nsukka Central Town Planning Authority Nsukka Local Government Council Headquarters, Nsukka, Enugu State and Enugu State Ministry of Transport, Independence Layout, Enugu State respectively until the 2nd and 3rd Respondents furnish the Applicant and the Court with a specific person and addresses to whom and where the 2nd and 3rd Respondents processes in this suit may be delivered; and for said substituted service to be deemed good and proper.”
Further hearing on the case has been adjourned to 9 July, 2024