The Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa has awarded over ₦20 million in special damages to Ebi Pius Aladei following the unlawful demolition of his property by the Bayelsa State Physical Planning and Development Board. The judgment, delivered in the case marked FHC/YNG/CS/246/2022, was issued today and held the Board accountable for breaching legal procedures in the demolition of Aladei’s building located on Bossy Water Street, Etegwe, Yenagoa.
According to court findings, the property in question was demolished by the Board on July 27, 2022, without the issuance of a statutory notice to Aladei and without the payment of any compensation. The Court determined that this action violated both due process and the constitutional rights of the claimant.
The judgment emphasized that the demolition was carried out in clear disregard of legally required protocols. These include the personal service of notices as stipulated under existing laws regulating urban development and planning, as well as the obligation to offer compensation in cases where government action leads to property destruction.
Counsel to the claimant, Barrister Nelson Abali, welcomed the Court’s ruling and said it reinforces the principle that legal procedures must be observed, especially by government agencies. Abali stated that the judgment affirms the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, warning that no institution or public officer is above legal accountability.
He further stressed that the case serves as a reminder that individual rights, particularly those relating to property, are protected under the law and must be respected at all times. According to Abali, the ruling is not just a personal victory for his client but a wider vindication of constitutional safeguards and legal remedies available to citizens when those rights are violated.
The Federal High Court, in its verdict, also criticized the conduct of the Bayelsa State Physical Planning and Development Board, finding that its actions amounted to a disregard for established legal norms. By proceeding with the demolition without first notifying the property owner or offering any form of compensation, the Board was found to have acted outside the bounds of its lawful authority.
Legal observers note that this judgment could have broader implications for public agencies across the country. It is expected to serve as a cautionary precedent for government bodies involved in urban planning and enforcement operations, compelling them to adhere strictly to the law in matters involving private property.
While the Court awarded over ₦20 million in special damages, it is not yet clear whether the Bayelsa State Physical Planning and Development Board will appeal the ruling. No official statement has yet been issued by the Board or its representatives in response to the judgment.
Meanwhile, legal professionals and civic rights groups have hailed the outcome as a progressive development in the fight for accountability in public service and a boost for property rights enforcement in Nigeria. Some have called on state authorities to initiate internal reviews of agency procedures to prevent similar violations in the future.
The decision marks a significant legal win for Ebi Pius Aladei and could serve as a legal benchmark in similar cases where public authorities fail to comply with constitutional and statutory obligations before taking enforcement actions affecting citizens’ properties.
