Bukola Afeni
A Business man Honourable Suleiman Mohammed, has expressed frustration and disbelief at the lack of protection for the common man in Nigeria’s legal system, as his house was demolished in Apo Resettlement Abuja.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Honourable Suleiman Mohammed’s property was demolished in Apo Resettlement, despite a court injunction ordering a halt to any of such action.
Speaking to Journalists after the demolition exercise, by the Development Control Agency, he added that the demolishing exercise was a great act of injustice.
“It is unfortunate that the law do not work in Nigeria anymore. Even with a court order, the common man doesn’t have right in the country. I will continue to seek justice for myself and others affected by similar injustices”, he said.
Hon Mohammed recalled how his property had previously been targeted, with the fence demolished last year June, despite his efforts to seek legal recourse.
“I approached the court, and there was a court injunction.Today, they brought down the whole house.This issue has raised concerns about the vulnerability of ordinary citizens in the face of government actions”, he said.
Barrister Chuks Ebonugwo, who is representing honourable Suleiman, said the demolition was carried out despite pending legal proceedings and a court order prohibiting any of such action.
Speaking out vehemently against what he perceived as a blatant disregard for the law, Barrister Chuks emphasized the importance of upholding legal procedures in a country founded on the principles of justice and due process.
“The truth of the matter is that this is the height of lawlessness.Every action of demolition of that property in Army Resettlement ,Apo, is pending the determination of the case by the court of law”, he said.
According to the legal practioner, the demolished property was allegedly allocated by the FCT administration.
” My client has reportedly undergone due process and received approval from the same office responsible for the demolition. Despite the court order they continued the demolition. This is raising questions about the motives behind the demolition act”, he added.
An occupant of the house, Aisha Abubakar said the demolition is an of wickedness, which should have been done with a prior notice.
“They threw teargas at people, and shot gun in the air, despite the plea from tenants to pack our belongings. They stopped the tenants from making video and beat one of us mercilessly while trying to snap pictures”, he said
