DOCUMENTS: High Court Intervenes to Stop Ekeoha Shopping Centre Demolition Over Contested Agreement Between Abia Govt and Shop Owners| #NwokeukwuMascot

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Court Halts Demolition of Ekeoha Shopping Centre Amidst Breach of Agreement Dispute Between Abia Government, Shop Owners| #NwokeukwuMascot

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Aba, Abia State -  In a significant legal development, the High Court of Abia State, sitting in Aba and presided over by Justice C.K. Nwankwo, has ordered a halt to the ongoing remodeling of the Ekeoha Shopping Center. The order, issued on August 21, 2024, mandates that all parties involved maintain the current state of affairs pending the hearing of a motion scheduled for August 27, 2024.




This ruling comes just days after Governor Alex Otti flagged off the remodeling of Ekeoha Market on Thursday, August 8, 2024, as part of his administration’s broader urban renewal agenda. However, the project has faced strong opposition from leaders of the shop owners and occupiers, who have taken legal action against several high-ranking officials and entities within the state.




The plaintiffs, who are key leaders among the shop owners and occupiers of Ekeoha Shopping Center, are challenging the legality of the remodeling project. Led by Chief Chris Uruakpa, Friday Dimiri, and Rufus Chinedu James, they have named the Abia State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Rhyno Homes and Properties Ltd, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Aba South Local Government, and senior law enforcement officials as defendants in their lawsuit.





The plaintiffs allege that on August 16, 2024, they received a "Relocation Notice" from the state government, informing them of imminent plans to remodel the shopping center. This notice, they claim, was issued without consideration of their prior offer to undertake the remodeling themselves.







At the heart of the plaintiffs' case is the allegation that Rhyno Homes and Properties Ltd, the second defendant, entered into an illegal agreement with the state government to carry out the remodeling. The plaintiffs assert that this agreement was made without their consent, despite their vested interests in the shopping center. They further argue that the first defendant, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, lacked the legal authority to proceed with the remodeling without first offering them the right of first refusal.





In addition to their legal claims, the plaintiffs have expressed concerns for their safety, stating that they are living in fear and in hiding due to threats allegedly made by the first and second defendants, with the support of other state officials and security agencies.







In light of the plaintiffs’ concerns, Justice Nwankwo’s order effectively freezes any further actions related to the remodeling project until the motion is heard. The court has also directed that the defendants be notified of the pending motion, underscoring the importance of due legal process in this matter.






The plaintiffs are seeking a court declaration that the concession agreement between the Abia State government and Rhyno Homes and Properties Ltd is illegal. They argue that the agreement was made without proper notification or compensation for the current shop owners and without regard for their existing rights.







This case underscores the ongoing tension between business owners and the state government in Abia State, particularly concerning property rights and urban development projects. The outcome of the upcoming hearing could have far-reaching implications, setting a significant precedent for how similar disputes are resolved in the future.



The court’s decision to enforce a status quo provides temporary relief for the plaintiffs, who fear severe economic and emotional distress if the remodeling proceeds without their involvement or consent.





The hearing on August 27, 2024, is highly anticipated, as it will determine the next steps in this contentious legal battle and potentially shape the future of Ekeoha Market’s redevelopment.









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