News
Encroachment: Court restrain Wike, FCDA, others from Abuja Centenary City
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Wike.jpg)
By Francesca Hangeior
Justice Inyang Ekwo, of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday restrained the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) from intruding into the Centenary Economic City Free Zone along Airport Road, Abuja.
In a judgment, Justice Ekwo also made an injunction order restraining the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Arab Contractors (OAO) from further encroaching on the site.
Justice Ekwo also made an order nullifying and setting aside in its entirety, all executive actions, steps, decisions, and administrative controls, including the forceful encroachment of the premises by OAO at the instructions of the minister, FCTA, and FCDA without the prior consent of the plaintiffs and the overriding approval of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA).
The judge held that the encroachment contradicted Sections 4 and 13 of NEPZA Act Cap N107 LFN 2004, provisions of Section 5 (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and therefore, was unconstitutional, illegal, unlawful, void, and of no effect whatsoever.
He also made an injunction order restraining them from exercising any executive or regulatory control on the zone, “which occupies the land, measuring 1,264.78 hectares with beacon coordinates: PB57-PB59, PB60-PB69, PB70-PB79, PB80PB89, PB90-PB99, and PB1000-PB104, located at Airport Road, Wawa District, Cadastral Zone E24, FCT, Abuja.”
“An order is hereby made directing Arab Contractors (OAO) Nigeria Limited, to immediately vacate the portion of the Centenary Economic City Free Zone, which it illegally occupies at the instructions of the 5th, 6th, and 7th defendants against the provisions of Sections 4 and 13 of NEPZA Act, without the express approval of the NEPZA,” he added.
Justice Ekwo, therefore, ordered Arab Contractors to pay to the plaintiffs, the sum of N100 million only for the forceful invasion and destruction of the plaintiffs’ master plan of the zone, designed by Eagle Hills Properties LLC, of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), at a cost of 35 million dollars.
The judge, who ordered the company to pay a N50 million general damages, also directed the firm to pay N5 million as cost of the action.
He equally ordered an interest on the entire judgement sum at the rate of 10 per cent per annum, commencing from the time of the delivery of the judgement till the entire judgement sum is fully liquidated by construction firm.
News
Finally, IGP approves hunger protests across Nigeria
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Kayode-Egbetokun1.jpg)
The Nigerian police has finally approved the planned nationwide protests and outlined conditions for participants.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed this on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja.
He urged all groups planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
The police boss said this was to ensure the protest was peaceful.
Egbetokun said, “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.
“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.
“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”
The police boss said the information expected from the organisers also include measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, as well as key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.
By providing the information, he said, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.
He said the police needed to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.
Mr Egbetokun said the police will “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.
“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.
News
Reps North-West Caucus Beg Youths, Citizens In The Region Not To Join Planned Protest
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240726_155935-scaled.jpg)
News
Reps Applaud FCT Minister, Wike On AICL Improved Revenue, Infrastructure
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG-20240726-WA0005.jpg)
-
News19 hours ago
Iwuanyanwu was a Heavyweight in all ramifications-Abaribe
-
News18 hours ago
Tinubu, Southern Govs Mourn Iwuanyanwu
-
News18 hours ago
Sokoto Governor, Aliyu’s Wife Holds Lavish Birthday As Guests Spray Dollar Notes On Her Amid Hunger, Hardship
-
News18 hours ago
Protest: President Tinubu In Closed-door Meeting With Traditional Rulers (Video)
-
News20 hours ago
Tinubu’s Presidency Is Failing Nigerians – Afenifere
-
News15 hours ago
Nationwide protest: ‘Airport Is Filled Up, Govs, Senators, Reps, Ministers Traveling Abroad’ — Fayose
-
News20 hours ago
IGP Orders DPOs, Their Men To Storm Vulcanizer Shops Ahead Of Planned Nationwide Protest
-
News19 hours ago
I Participated In Peaceful Protests For Democracy – Tinubu