The owner of Prodest Hotel, Mr. Gogorobari Promise Needam, has filed a lawsuit against the Rivers State government, seeking compensation for the demolition of his hotel during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The hotel, situated in Eleme Local Government Area, was ordered for demolition by former Governor Nyesom Wike. Needam claims the action was unlawful and malicious, and he is suing due to the government’s failure to provide compensation.
Filed as case number PHC/224/CS/2022 in the Rivers State High Court, the suit names the state governor and the Attorney-General as defendants.
Through an Originating Summons, Needam seeks a declaration from the court that the demolition of his property, Prodest Home Services, on May 9, 2020, was “unwarranted, malicious, wrongful, illegal, and null and void.”
Needam further demands that the state pay him a sum of One Billion, One Hundred Million, Twenty-Nine Thousand, Four Hundred and Ninety-One Naira (N1,001,029,491.00) in special damages for the destruction of his hotel.
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Additionally, he is asking for Five Hundred Million Naira (N500,000,000.00) in general damages for the financial losses, emotional suffering, and hardship he endured, as well as One Hundred Million Naira (N100,000,000.00) to cover legal fees for the suit.
The writ was filed by B. S. Aziaka of Osima Grimah & Co, Ibinabo Chambers. When the case was heard, Justice CN Wali oversaw the cross-examination of Dr. Bariledum Azoro, the hotel’s manager and the first witness, who testified that he was detained following the hotel’s demolition.
The next hearing has been scheduled for November 28, 2024. After the session, Mr. Aziaka expressed confidence in a favorable ruling, stating that, “the demolition of the Prodest Hotel is illegal and done in bad faith.” He added that previous efforts to settle the matter outside court had been ignored, leading them to seek justice through litigation.
Aziaka also urged the Ogoni community and its youth to remain calm and refrain from protesting, encouraging them to have faith in the legal process. “Judgement will definitely be given to them,” he reassured.
