The Enugu State Government is embroiled in a legal dispute following the demolition of properties belonging to Ohha Microfinance Bank and numerous other businesses, which occurred prior to the government securing a lease for the land. Court documents reveal that the demolition took place on May 15, 2024, while the state government did not obtain an official lease for the land until three months later, on August 15, 2024.

The lawsuit, which is valued at N20.4 billion, was filed by Ohha Microfinance Bank Limited and is currently pending before Justice Cyprian Ajah of the Enugu State High Court. The bank's legal representation, led by human rights lawyer Olu Omotayo, argues that the lease obtained by the state government is illegal, as it was secured after the unlawful demolition of the bank's properties. The demolition resulted in the destruction of the bank's corporate headquarters located at No. 1, Ogui Road, Enugu, along with significant assets, including two bank safes valued at N15 million.

In its defense, the Enugu State Government admitted to having received the lease offer from Railway Property Management, but claimed that the land was leased from Railway Property Company Limited, which had previously granted a 25-year lease to Rev. Fr. Prof. Emmanuel Edeh of Our Saviour Institute of Science, Agriculture and Technology (OSISATECH). The government stated that the lease had expired prior to the demolition.

The bank's legal team contends that the state government's actions contradict its public claims of being "investor-friendly," particularly given the lack of compensation for the destruction of the bank's investment, which spans over 27 years. The suit seeks a declaration that the demolition was illegal and unconstitutional, violating sections of the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights. The bank is demanding special damages of N420,194,500, along with aggravated and punitive damages totaling N20 billion. They are also seeking interest on these amounts from the date of demolition until the judgment is delivered.

The case highlights broader concerns regarding property rights and government accountability in Nigeria, as the state government attempts to justify its actions through the retroactive lease agreement. The ongoing legal battle underscores the tensions between governmental authority and the rights of citizens and businesses.

The hearing for the case was recently postponed due to the absence of the trial judge, with the next court date set for December 7, 2026. As the situation develops, the outcome of this case may have significant implications for property rights and the treatment of businesses by state authorities in Nigeria.