A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has ruled that the state government must compensate residents with ₦1.1 billion for unlawfully demolishing their properties in Mile One and Mile Two waterfronts. The affected residents, from communities like Egede, Iruala, and Elechi Beach Waterfront, had sued the government in 2022 for violating their fundamental rights.
Justice Sika Aprioku found the government guilty of forcefully taking over the land without prior notification or legal acquisition. The court ordered ₦900 million in compensation for the displaced residents and imposed a ₦2 million fine on the state. It also criticized the government for failing to provide alternative housing or support.
The residents’ lawyer, Tonye Igeri, welcomed the ruling, calling it a step toward justice for those who lost their homes. He urged the government to properly compensate victims before any future demolitions. Meanwhile, the Rivers State Ministry of Justice declined to comment on the verdict.
