By Chuks Eke
A construction firm based in Anambra state, Barth Tony Enterprises Nigeria Ltd has instituted a N400 million suit against Nkwelle-Ogidi Community Development Union in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State for failure to release Eight (8) plots of land to the firm as earlier agreed in consideration for the services rendered to the Community by the company.
In a statement of claim filed in suit No. HID/149/2020, pending before Justice Pete Obiora, the plaintiff, Barth Tony Enterprises Nigeria Ltd whose Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, CEO is Chief Bartholomew Okonkwo is asking the court to mandate the defendants, Chief Emeka Mbeledogu, Clifford Ufodiama, Maurice Ebo and Sunday Obi Nwoka for themselves and on behalf of the registered trustees of Nkwelle-Ogidi Community Developmenrt Union and Nkwelle-Ogidi Village the release the identified Eight plots to the Company or pay N400 million in lieu of the identified Eight plots.
The plaintiff also warned traders who may intend to acquire land to build shops at Park Lane within Park land at Nkwelle-Ogidi Community to exercise restraint and conduct due diligence so that they don’t acquire land that is subject matter of litigation.
Plaintiff averred that the defendants had no money to develop their land which was a valley hence contracted him to sponsaor and assist them in bulldozing and turning the land into what is now known as Park Land and Park Lane, a table ground suitable for habitation with a written agreement that the company would be given eight plots as consideration for money spent in making the land habitable.
Plaintiff further averred that approximately 54 plots were recovered for the Nkwelle-Ogidi Community after completion of the job but the Nkwelle-Ogidi Community Development Union has failed, refused and neglected to release the agreed 8 plots which has been identified as plots 15, 17, 21, 24, 42, 43, 45 and 46 at Ana Nkwelle-Ogidi known as Park Lane otherwise called Park land within the Nkwelle-Ogidi communmity.
In the statement of claim filed on his behalf by the plaintiff counsel, Dr. A. A. Orunkoya Esq, the plaintiff also noted that he has mandated his counsel, Orunkoya to place caveat emptor on print and electronic media to warn members of the public from transacting any business with Nkwelle-Ogidi Community in respect of the said eight plots of land at Park Lane in Park land at Nkwele-Ogidi now that it is a subject matter already pending in the court.
