Human Rights Lawyer Demands Probe into Court Order for Obi’s Brother Property Demolition

By Olisemeka Obeche

Human Rights Lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor has called for urgent judicial enquiry into the controversial court order issued by a Lagos State High Court for a demolition of property.

Judicial grant for demolition of the property located at Ikeja Lagos, belonged to Next Foods Ltd, owned by Ndiche Obi, younger brother of Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election has continued to generate ripples.

In a press statement signed on June 26, 2025, Sir Ejiofor said the issue has “raised profound concerns over the integrity, transparency, and procedural rigor of the judicial process that paved the way for such an extreme action” .

“This disturbing incident has once again brought to national consciousness the inherent vulnerabilities within our judicial system, especially where processes are deployed to achieve outcomes that potentially undermine constitutionally guaranteed rights.

According to the Human rights activist, preliminary review of the proceedings, culminating in the demolition order issued by the Honourable Justice A.M. Lawal of the Lagos State High Court, reveals worrying procedural gaps, which demand urgent clarification and institutional introspection.

He identified the commencement of proceedings against “Person Unknown” as one of the grey areas of the judicial entanglement in the matter.

“Available records indicate that the suit, which ultimately resulted in the demolition, was initiated on 6th June 2023, with the originating processes targeting unnamed defendant described merely as “person unknown.”

He argues: “This raises significant legal and procedural questions concerning the proper identification of parties, especially in matters affecting property rights of known individuals.

“It is well established in Nigerian jurisprudence that litigation involving property must be premised on transparent disclosure of all affected parties. Anything less threatens the core of due process, as emphasized in Ajayi v. Adebiyi (2012) 11 NWLR (Pt. 1310) 137.

Ejiofor also raised flag on the processes followed by the court in issuing the demolition order. He said: “Further scrutiny of the case reveals that Hearing Notices were reportedly ordered on 6th October 2023, also directed at “person unknown.”

“The public deserves to know whether the Bailiff filed the requisite affidavit of service, properly identifying the specific property where court processes were affixed; Whether photographic or other confirmatory evidence of service accompanied the court records, in line with established procedural standards.

According to him, the principle of effective service as the bedrock of fair hearing cannot be compromised.
“Without evidence of proper service, any resulting judgment is liable to be challenged, as reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in Mark v. Eke (2004) 5 NWLR (Pt. 865) 54.

Ejiofor also condemned what he called 'accelerated Timeline and Apparent Breach of Fair Hearing' on the case. He argues:

“Publicly available information indicates that the matter was mentioned on 22nd April 2024, and a judgment affecting significant proprietary interests was delivered merely one month later, on 20th May 2024. Alarmingly, records suggest that the suit came up only three times before this judgment was entered.

“Given the constitutional right to fair hearing under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, the pace at which these proceedings concluded raises doubts as to whether reasonable opportunity was accorded to any party with legal interest in the property to present a defence.

The lead counsel to the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB also warned:
“This case exemplifies how judicial processes, particularly suits against “persons unknown,” can inadvertently serve as conduits for actions that violate property rights without robust safeguards. The courts have long warned against procedural shortcuts in property disputes, as seen in Ojukwu v. Military Governor of Lagos State (1986) 3 NWLR (Pt. 26) 39, where extrajudicial demolitions and property seizures were roundly condemned.

He called for urgent action towards upholding the Integrity of judicial processes in the country.
“The Nigerian judiciary plays an indispensable role as the guardian of justice, rights, and constitutional order. However, when court processes appear susceptible to manipulation—whether through ambiguous party identification, questionable service, or rushed timelines—the public perception of judicial integrity suffers severe damage.

“As observed in Elephant Investment Ltd v. F.H.A (2000) 5 NWLR (Pt. 658) 293, courts must insulate their processes from exploitation to preserve their credibility as impartial arbiters of justice.

Ejiofor therefore, made for point demand, in the interest of justice, transparency, and protection of property rights:

His demands include: an independent investigation into the judicial process that led to the demolition of Mr. Peter Obi’s brother’s property; a temporary moratorium on further demolitions or enforcement actions arising from the controversial judgment, pending the outcome of this investigation; a comprehensive review of how suits against “persons unknown” are handled within the judiciary, to forestall further abuses; Institutional safeguards to ensure strict compliance with procedural requirements, particularly in property-related disputes.

He went further: “The judiciary, like Caesar’s wife, must not only be above reproach but must also be seen to uphold the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and respect for constitutional rights. This case, regrettably, reflects systemic loopholes that can be exploited to violate rights under the guise of judicial orders.

“We urge all stakeholders, including the National Judicial Council, the Lagos State Judiciary, and relevant oversight bodies, to take immediate steps to restore public confidence, ensure accountability, and reaffirm the judiciary’s role as the last hope of the common man.

“Justice must not only be done but must be manifestly and undeniably seen to be done”, he adds.