The Nasarawa State Government may be heading into a major legal battle, as a United Kingdom-based Nigerian businessman, Robert Baba Idoko, has threatened to file a N500 billion lawsuit over the alleged unlawful demolition of his multi-million naira property in Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area of the state.
In a pre-action notice addressed to Governor Abdullahi Sule, the Attorney General of the state, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the Nasarawa Urban Development Board (NUDB), Idoko is demanding immediate compensation for what he described as the “unjust and illegal destruction” of his investment.
The demolished property, located in Gbegyedna community, behind the City College of Education, reportedly comprised blocks of two-storey buildings.
According to the notice, the structures were razed by officials of the NUDB on October 3, 2024, allegedly without any prior notice or court order.
Idoko, who was visibly emotional during a recent visit to the site, said the demolition had destroyed not just his property but his trust in the Nigerian system.
“I am done with this part of the world,” he lamented. “Whoever wants the land should come and take it. But they should pay me all that it cost me to develop the property before the state government sent its officials to pull it down.”
His lawyer, Barrister Ndubisi Kalu, revealed that Idoko purchased the land in June 2024 and followed all due processes, including filing documentation with the NUDB and submitting building plans for approval.
“Our client purchased the land and built it with his life savings. He followed due process, including purchasing a file-opening form and submitting all necessary plans to NUDB,” Kalu stated.
According to the lawyer, Idoko was shocked to witness a convoy of police officers, civil defense personnel, vigilantes, and NUDB staff arrive at the site with bulldozers, destroying the building without notice or warning.
He further claimed that NUDB officials later informed Idoko that the demolition was based on a claim by a Catholic priest who allegedly presented title documents to the same land — a development the businessman said he was completely unaware of.
“Our client has suffered psychological trauma,” the pre-action notice read, “and is unable to return to his base in the United Kingdom due to the emotional and financial setback caused by the actions of the NUDB.”
Kalu is demanding N500 million in special and general damages within seven days, warning that failure to meet the demand will result in legal action.
“We shall be left with no option but to resort to a court of competent jurisdiction where we shall be asking for substantial damages against you,” the letter concluded.
During his emotional plea at the demolition site, Idoko said, “This is all I have in my life and all that I have worked for. These rubbles are now what is left of our savings. I really need justice.”
As of press time, the Nasarawa State Government and the NUDB have yet to officially respond to the pre-action notice or the allegations raised by Idoko.