High Court restrains Imo state govt from relocating, destroying or tampering with Ekeukwu Owerri market

 

On Monday, an Imo State High Court which was presided over by Justice Sabinus I. Opara, restrained the state government from destroying, relocating or tampering with the Ekeukwu Owerri Market, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit, HOW/380/2016.
The respondents included the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha the Attorney General of Imo State, and the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning.

Despite being served with court papers, none of the defendants was represented in court which angered Hustice Opara who said:

“There is proof that all the respondent’s were duly served as far back as August 31, 2016. There is however, nothing in the court’s file to show that the respondents have filed their response”. 

Justice Opara ordered that the status quo be maintained and also directed that the State Attorney General be served with the order of court and must also appear in person on September 8, 2016, which is when the next court case was scheduled.