The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, upholding a landmark judgment, awarded ₦220 million in compensation to Mrs. Ebere Nwosu, the owner of Unice Plaza, a commercial property demolished by the Lagos State Government in 2021.
In its ruling, the appellate court affirmed that the demolition of the building which was located at Plot 1, Block 1, Federal government layout, along Old Ojo road, satellite town, Amuwo-Odofin without the payment of prompt and adequate compensation violated the property owner’s constitutional rights.
The court emphasized that no level of urban development justifies infringing on the rights of property owners without due process and lawful compensation, as enshrined in Section 44 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Unice Plaza was reportedly brought down in September 2021 by state agents on grounds of alleged illegal construction. Mrs. Nwosu subsequently filed a lawsuit, claiming the demolition was unlawful and had caused significant financial loss.
A Lagos High Court had earlier ruled in her favour, awarding the ₦220 million in damages. Dissatisfied with the outcome, the Lagos State Government approached the Court of Appeal, which has now upheld the original decision.
Legal observers view the ruling as a major reinforcement of citizens’ property rights and a caution to government agencies to follow due process in urban renewal activities.
This judgment is expected to influence how state authorities approach future demolitions and urban planning enforcement actions across the country.