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Court awards N55m against ECTDA over illegal demolition in Enugu

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An Enugu State High Court has ordered the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), to pay a total of N55 million to Onyebuchi Chinedu for an unwarranted demolition of his shops located at Lagos Street, Onu Asata, Enugu North Local Government Area. Delivering judgment on the matter which was filed on July 24, 2015, Justice…

An Enugu State High Court has ordered the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), to pay a total of N55 million to Onyebuchi Chinedu for an unwarranted demolition of his shops located at Lagos Street, Onu Asata, Enugu North Local Government Area.

Delivering judgment on the matter which was filed on July 24, 2015, Justice Kenneth Okpe ruled that, “The defendant (ECTDA) acted arbitrarily and very abysmally in demolishing the shops of the plaintiff without evidence of service of appropriate notice on him.

“I declare that the demolition of the plaintiff’s building made up of six shops and the basement situate at Onu Asata Ihuewuzi (Lagos Street) Ogui-Nike, Enugu by the defendant is unlawful, illegal, unconstitutional and unwarranted.

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“I declare that the plaintiff having obtained an approval of his shops/office development plan from the defendant is entitled to build or erect the structure/building(s) approved by the defendant without any hindrance by or interference from the defendant and/or her agents.

“I make an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant and/or her agents from harassing or disturbing the plaintiff in his aforementioned building site, interfering with or hindering the construction of the plaintiff’s shops/office building the defendant having duly approved the proposed shops/office development plan.

“I make an order directing the defendant to pay to the plaintiff the sum of N30,000,000.00 (Thirty Million Naira) only as special damages for the demolition of the plaintiffs said six-shop building and the basement by the defendant, the special damages which comprises the two years rent paid to the plaintiff in advance in respect of the demolished six shops which the plaintiff will refund the tenants, the replacement cost of the demolished six-shop building and the basement, the loss of tools, building materials and other valuables in the demolished building and the cost of evacuating the debris of the demolished building.

“I make an order directing the defendant to pay to the plaintiff the sum of N25,000,000.00 (Thirty Million Naira) only as general damages for the demolition of the plaintiff’s building.”

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Counsel to the plaintiff, Christian Odoh while responding to the judgment said that his client decided to seek redress in court after the ECTDA went ahead to demolish his clients property in 2014 after the same agency issued all the necessary approvals for the structure.

“It was surprising that the same agency came and demolished the building on the grounds that my client did not obtain approval. So we decided to come to court to seek remedy. I am happy that all the reliefs that we sought were granted,” he said.

On his part, the plaintiff, Chinedu Onyebuchi, said, “I feel so excited that I lack words to express my feelings. This is about ten years of legal battle, so I give God all the glory. I thank God for the outcome. Some of my friends had advised me to abandon the case but truly this shows that the courts remain the last hope of the common man.”

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Divorced Woman Rejects Ex-Husband’s $273m Lottery Win

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In a surprising twist, a newly divorced couple is making headlines after the husband won a massive $273 million in the lottery, just five months after their divorce.

The story has captured the attention of many, particularly because of the way the couple is handling the unexpected windfall.

Mike Murski, who had struggled with maintaining steady employment during his 15-year marriage to Eileen, is now a millionaire. Despite his newfound fortune, Eileen, who was the primary breadwinner during their marriage, says she has no interest in any of the winnings.

When asked if she believed she was entitled to a portion of the lottery jackpot, Eileen firmly responded, “The only thing that I would like to see is, obviously, termination of spousal support.” She explained that while the large sum of money was a life-changing event for Mike, it did not alter her feelings toward him or their past. “Now that you have money, it doesn’t mean that I would want to come back,” she added, making it clear that the lottery win wouldn’t change her decision to divorce.

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Their marriage, which ended five months ago, was far from amicable, and Eileen emphasized that the jackpot wouldn’t affect her stance. Despite the overwhelming amount of money Mike had just come into, she clarified, “$270 million does not make me appealing to her.” This statement came from Mike himself, as he reflected on how the lottery win might influence his ex-wife’s perception of him. When asked if he believed her, Mike remained indifferent, stating, “I don’t care.”

While Eileen seems more focused on the future, with her priority being the end of the alimony payments, Mike’s new wealth has not seemed to change the dynamics of their relationship. It’s clear that the two are moving forward in separate directions, and neither party seems to be interested in revisiting the past.

As Mike embarks on his new life as a multimillionaire, Eileen appears determined to put the past behind her and continue her own journey without the influence of his sudden fortune.

Whether their story will evolve further remains to be seen, but for now, their post-divorce life is marked by the intriguing contrast between Eileen’s financial independence and Mike’s unexpected jackpot.

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Road Safety confirmed 13 People Dead In Edo Road Accidents

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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reported that at least 13 people lost their lives in road accidents across Edo State in November 2024. The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Cyril Mathew, confirmed this tragic news during an address to journalists in Benin City on Sunday.

According to Mathew, the fatalities resulted from multiple accidents that occurred throughout the state during that month. In addition to the 13 deaths, he noted that 76 passengers sustained injuries, and 1,524 drivers were apprehended for various traffic violations.

He explained that the primary causes of the accidents were factors such as brake failure, speeding, reckless driving, and the use of mobile phones while driving. Other contributing factors included route violations and failure to adhere to basic traffic regulations. Mathew also outlined that the 1,524 traffic offenders were arrested for a range of violations, including driving without a fire extinguisher, not installing a speed-limiting device, tyre violations, seat belt violations, overloading, driving against traffic, and using phones while driving.

All offenders were arraigned in a mobile court, where they were fined according to the severity of their violations.

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The FRSC official issued a stern warning to motorists, urging them to avoid dangerous practices such as overspeeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving at night, and using phones while driving. He emphasized that these behaviors contribute significantly to road accidents and endanger the lives of everyone on the road.

In a separate incident, barely two weeks ago, a deadly automobile accident occurred near Tage Bridge in the Kafin Hausa Local Government Area of Jigawa State. On the Monday of that week, a passenger vehicle was involved in a crash that resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people. Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrifying, with numerous bodies scattered across the area.

The Jigawa State Police Command confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Shi’isu Adam, who stated that the driver of the vehicle survived the crash and is currently cooperating with the police to determine the cause of the accident. The incident occurred when a Golf 3 Wagon, with the license plate GML 842 XA, was traveling from Hadejia town to Makera village. The vehicle reportedly overturned and plunged into a river.

Adam further revealed that the identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, pending notification of their families. The police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

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Nigerian Man Who Rained Curses On President Tinubu Nabbed

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A Nigerian man has been nabbed after he went on social media to rain curses on President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The arrest of the unnamed man who cursed President Bola Tinubu and rained insults on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu followed a recent warning by the Nigerian Police Force, which cautioned against making offensive statements or insults directed at public officials.

The police had followed up with the assertion that such acts were punishable under the law.

In the controversial video, the man unleashed curses at President Tinubu, holding him responsible for Nigeria’s challenges and criticizing his leadership. He also directed scathing remarks at Governor Sanwo-Olu, accusing him and other politicians of contributing to the nation’s plight.

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Some of his statements included:

“The Inspector General of Police said anyone who insults others should be arrested. It won’t be well with Bola Tinubu. He won’t have peace of mind wherever he is.”

“Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor with the black eye, it won’t be well with you either. You’ll know no peace wherever you are.”

“You politicians, spoiling this country without accountability, none of you will know peace. You’ve brought Nigeria to this state, and you shall face the consequences.”

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Despite knowing the authorities were after him, the man expressed defiance in the video, claiming he had been declared wanted and daring the police to take action.

“They said they’re looking for me and have declared me wanted on their platform. Senseless set of people,” he said.

“People like Yahaya Bello, who are destroying the country, are free, yet you declare me wanted. Those stealing money are untouched, but you’re after me.”

However, a follow-up clip confirmed that the man had been arrested for his remarks. The police have not disclosed further details about his detention, but his case has reignited debates on freedom of speech and the boundaries of criticism in Nigeria.

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Watch the video below of the man as he cursed President Tinubu

Man was arrested a few hours after insụlting Tinubu and Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu😳🙆 pic.twitter.com/VU47vv52b5

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) December 21, 2024
The video, which continues to circulate online, has drawn mixed reactions, with some Nigerians condemning the man’s approach in cursing President Tinubu while others see his arrest as an attack on free expression.

See some reactions below:

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@DeeNwuga: “To track dey so easy till e reach time track kidnappers and bandits then everywhere go silent.”

@ourt_destiny: “Abacha regime was not this bad, Tinubu has taken it to a whole new level.”

@GeneralSnow_: “I love his unbothered look. They will only make him a hardened activist.”

@HIBILLIONEAR: “This is just a reminder that e no go better for Tinubu, Sanwa Olu, IG of police and ecery other Nigerian politician. Una go arrest until prison and cells full, no space.”

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@theboyisgreat: “They are afraid of what is coming but it will eventually catch up on them.”

@Chrizkhalifa21: “Na when e reach netizens turn una dey fit track them but track kidnappers and boko Haram una no fit.”

@Victoh: “The tyranny is playing out to our faces but we are still bantering Igbo or Yoruba. Make we dey play 😂Police PRO don first give us update of what is to come.”

@RAZZIEDML: “Na why I no dey do pass myself. Make them no go pick me wey never pick before.”

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