Ohha Microfinance Bank Limited has filed a lawsuit against the Enugu State Government, seeking N20.4 billion in damages for the alleged unlawful demolition of its headquarters and destruction of valuable assets without compensation. The bank claims that the government’s actions violated its constitutional rights, specifically its right to own movable and immovable properties.

Alleged Violation of Constitutional Rights

The lawsuit, filed on Monday at the Enugu State High Court, alleges that the Enugu State Government issued only 72 hours’ notice for the bank to vacate its corporate headquarters before demolishing the building on May 15, 2024. The bank’s legal team, led by Olu Omotayo, seeks several reliefs, including a declaration that the demolition and destruction of its properties were illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional.

The plaintiff is also seeking special damages of N420,194,500 for the loss of its properties and assets, along with aggravated damages of N20 billion for the unlawful demolition. In addition, the bank is requesting interest on the special damages at a rate of 18% from May 15, 2024, until judgment is delivered, and interest on the judgment sum at 10% until fully paid.

Damages Sought

The lawsuit (marked No. E/37/2025) names Ohha Microfinance Bank Limited as the plaintiff, with the Enugu State Government and the Attorney-General of Enugu State as the first and second respondents. Among other reliefs, the bank seeks:

• A declaration that the destruction and demolition of its properties without prompt and adequate compensation are illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional.
• A declaration that the 72-hour notice to vacate, followed by the destruction of the headquarters and movable properties, including two safes worth N15 million, violated the plaintiff’s rights to own movable and immovable properties under the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.
• Special damages amounting to N420,194,500.
• Aggravated, punitive, and general damages of N20 billion.
• Interest on the special damages at 18% from May 15, 2024, until judgment, and 10% interest on the judgment sum until it is fully paid.

Legal Basis for the Suit

Olu Omotayo, one of the bank’s lawyers, stated that the lawsuit is based on the defendants’ failure to compensate the bank for the willful destruction of its 27-year multimillion-naira investment. The counsel argued that the Enugu State Government had consistently violated the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens by failing to provide adequate compensation for government acquisition or destruction of property, despite claims of being investor-friendly.

Ongoing Legal Challenges Against Enugu State Government

While no date has been set for the hearing of the lawsuit, it is part of a series of legal challenges against the Enugu State Government, which has faced allegations of unlawful property demolitions without compensation. The case highlights concerns regarding the treatment of businesses and property owners under the state’s regulatory actions.