A UK-based Nigerian, Robert Baba Idoko, has threatened legal action against the Nasarawa State Government over the alleged unlawful demolition of his multi-million-naira property in Gbegyedna community, behind City College of Education, Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area. He demands N500 million in compensation.
Idoko’s lawyer, Ndubisi Kalu, outlined the case in a petition dated 20 November 2024, addressed to the Nasarawa State Governor, the Attorney General, and the General Manager of the Nasarawa State Urban Development Board (NUDB), with a copy to the National Human Rights Commission. “It is our clients’ instruction that sometime in June 2024, he purchased a land located at Gbegyedna community behind City College of Education Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa state, measuring 120ft by 100ft, wherein the demolished edifice was built with his life savings,” Kalu wrote.
He detailed the process. “After the purchase, he, in company of his building engineer, approached NUDB in Abacha Road, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa, wherein he purchased a file opening form at the cost of N5,000, for necessary documentations, and further submitted three copies of building plans to NUDB for approval alongside the purchased form,” the petition stated. Idoko also paid for a survey plan, which NUDB approved, and received a building approval receipt.
Yet, trouble struck. “Our client was surprised and shocked to see legion of Police, Civil Defence, Vigilante and staff of NUDB, who invaded his newly built house on October 3, 2024, at about 7 am with bulldozers demolishing the structures without any prior notice,” Kalu added. Idoko’s attempts to get answers failed, and at NUDB’s office, he was told the land belonged to a Catholic priest with valid title documents—a claim Idoko disputes as false.
Idoko faced fallout. “That our client has suffered psychological trauma, as a result of the action of the staff of NUDB in destroying his property without any justification known to law and has not been able to return to his base in the United Kingdom,” the petition read. His job loss in the UK followed, amplifying his woes. Kalu demanded: “We have the instructions of our client to demand for the immediate payment of N500m as special and general damages within seven days beginning from the day you receive this letter.”
The lawyer warned of court action. “If you fail or neglect to meet the demand in this letter within the stipulated time, we shall be left with no option than to resort to our client for further instructions by approaching a court of competent jurisdiction where we shall be asking for substantial sum as damages against you,” he concluded.
The Sun Nigeria
