Court Halts UNN Hostel Project Over Environmental Degradation, Awards N20m To Host Community
A High Court in Nsukka, Enugu State, has granted an interlocutory injunction restraining the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) from proceeding with a hostel project, citing environmental degradation concerns.
The project, which involves the construction of an 11,900-room hostel, has been a subject of controversy, with the host community, Obukpa, alleging that it poses a significant threat to their environment.
In a landmark judgment delivered by Justice Hyacinthia Urunwa Ezeugwu, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, Hon Nnaemeka Aleke, who represented the Obukpa community.
The court held that the evidence presented by the plaintiff’s eight witnesses was “incontrovertible” and that a visit to the project site revealed significant environmental damage.
The court ordered the defendants, UNN and Viagem Property and Investment Limited, to stop further development of the project pending the implementation of erosion control measures.
Additionally, the court awarded N20 million in damages to the plaintiff and N500,000 in litigation costs.
Barr C.I. Odoh, counsel to the plaintiff, hailed the verdict as a victory for the community, stating that the court’s decision had “saved the future of the community.”
He emphasized that the injunction was the most critical aspect of the judgment, as it would prevent further environmental degradation.
The court’s decision is a significant victory for environmental justice and community rights, highlighting the importance of considering the environmental impact of large-scale projects.
