BY Amayindi Yakubu
THE Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba has adjourned a suit involving the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Anthony Okeke, Mr Chukwudi, Christopher and others to March 2026 for further hearing.
The case arose from a demolition notice issued by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development against the plaintiffs; a move they are contesting before the court. At the hearing, the defendants were absent.
Counsel to the plaintiffs argued that the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development lacked the legal authority to issue demolition notices within Delta State. The plaintiffs maintained that such powers are vested solely in the Delta State Urban Planning Authority.
The plaintiffs contended that the demolition notice was issued without proper jurisdiction, insisting that matters relating to urban planning, development control, and demolition within the state fall under the statutory responsibilities of the state government agency.
The court heard the plaintiffs’ submissions on jurisdiction and the legality of the demolition notice issued by the federal ministry.
After proceedings, the presiding judge adjourned the matter until March 2026 to allow for further hearing and determination of the issues raised before the court.
