“Akwa Ibom Government Faces N31 Billion Lawsuit Over ‘Forceful Land Takeover'”
The Akwa Ibom State government is now at the center of a major legal dispute, with a lawsuit filed against it for allegedly forcefully seizing a 1,805-hectare property. Serob Legends Resort Limited, the claimant in the case (HU/243/2024), is seeking a staggering N31 billion in compensation for the damage caused by the forceful occupation of the land.
In addition to the state government, other defendants named in the case include the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the Ministry of Lands and Water Resources, and the Attorney General of the state, who is also the Commissioner for Justice.
The controversy revolves around a piece of land located at the demarcated area of NITEL Property on Dominik Utuk Avenue (formerly Brooks Street) in Uyo. Mrs. Nsidem Etuk, who claims ownership of the property, raised alarm in 2024 over the alleged forceful takeover by the state government.
On February 1, 2025, Governor Umo Eno performed the groundbreaking for a new Security Command and Control Centre on this land, with plans to include other projects, such as the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) House, the headquarters for Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), and the Akwa Ibom Geographical Information System (AkwaGIS) headquarters.
Despite repeated requests from Mrs. Etuk, the state government proceeded with their plans without paying heed to her claims. The claimant has now submitted several documents to prove her ownership, including a “Deed of Conveyance” that shows she legally acquired the property from NITEL Trustees Ltd. (in liquidation).
Through a detailed legal claim, the claimant asserts that the defendants lack any legal right or authority to forcibly take over the land. She is asking the court to declare the government’s actions as unlawful and to issue an injunction preventing further trespass. In addition, the claimant seeks N1 billion in exemplary damages and N30.12 billion for the destruction of property.
This case, which involves questions of land rights, government authority, and the destruction of private property, is now set to be heard in the High Court in Uyo.
