Six property investors, represented by their counsel Evans Ufeli, have taken legal action against Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Co. (SEEPCO) Limited and representatives of the Umu-Azaka Anie family in the High Court of Delta State, sitting in Asaba, over a disputed property.
The plaintiffs, Chief Iduh Famous Amechi, Chinedu Omenogor Kingsley, Mr. Onowu Ogechukwu, Mr. Oshagbor Uchenna, Lt Cdr Wilson Egbo Ikwuni (Rtd), and Mrs. Lilian Osogochukwu Ekeigwe, are seeking a court declaration that the ownership of the disputed land/property in Utagba-Ogbe, Kwale, Ndokwa-West LGA of Delta State belongs to them, as they have good title to it.
They allege that the encroachment on their respective properties by SEEPCO and other defendants is unlawful and amounts to trespass. The plaintiffs are requesting a perpetual injunction to restrain the defendants from further trespassing.
Additionally, the plaintiffs are seeking special damages of N100 million for the destruction of cash crops/economic trees on the property, as well as general damages of N300 million for psychological trauma and deprivation from using and enjoying their properties. They also seek N20 million as the cost of the action.
The plaintiffs claim that they purchased the land from the 3rd, 4th, and 5th defendants in Ogbe Ani quarters, Utagba-Ogbe, Kwale, Delta State, and were issued a land purchase receipt. They allege that their crops and trees were destroyed by surveyors hired by the defendants, who cleared a long line through their property.
