Flood: Court stops FCTA from demolishing Trademore estate

A high court of the federal capital territory (FCT) in Jikwoyi has restrained the FCT administration from proceeding with the demolition of Trademore estate, Lugbe.

Ruling on an ex parte motion filed by Trademore International Holding Nigeria LTD, Zubairu Mohammed, the presiding judge, ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit.

TheCable had reported how the federal capital territory administration (FCTA) declared the estate as a disaster area, following massive flooding on June 23, which left residents trapped and houses submerged.

Subsequently, FCTA said buildings on the waterways in the estate and other areas will be demolished.

Trademore through its lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, filed a suit to challenge the planned demolition.

The FCT minister, the federal capital territory development authority (FCDA), Abuja metropolitan management council (AMMC) and the Abuja municipal area council (AMAC) are cited as 1st to 4th defendants in the motion marked M/1162/2023.

In the writ of summons, the Trademore is seeking an order to stop the defendants from demolishing the estate or evicting the occupants or trespassing into the estate.

The plaintiff averred that the three major floodings that were experienced in the estate since it was built in 2007, were not caused by the residents.

Rather, they alleged gross negligence occasioned by the defendants.

Trademore claimed that the relevant agencies have outrightly refused to implement any of the anti-flooding measures jointly devised and agreed upon at various meetings.

The judge adjourned the matter till September 22 and ordered service of the court order as well as other relevant processes in the suit, on all the defendants.