Court Stops Lagos from Taking Over Mile 12 Market

An Ikeja High Court on Tuesday restrained the Office of Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Kosofe Local Government from forcefully taking over the Alaba Section of Mile 12 Market.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Justice Latifat Oluyemi gave the interim injunction pending the determination of an application before the court.

Other respondents in the suit marked ID/6464GCMW/2022, include Ikosi/Isheri Local Council Development Area, Dr Chris Onyekachi, Total Value Integrated Services Limited and Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

The application was initiated by the Incorporated Trustees of Orirere Community Leaders and Traders Association, Precious Ojo, Alhaji Akinwale Jimoh and Babatunde Adetula.

Justice Oluyemi restrained the respondents, their agents, servants, privies and any other person from demolishing or forcefully taking over the section pending the determination of the motion on notice.

The claimants’ counsel, Mr M.G. Quadri, alleged that he was refused entry and chased out by the Chairman of the Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Samiat Abolanle-Bada, at a mediation meeting held on December 19, 2022, which he said, all parties attended.

Quadri alleged that the respondents continued with the demolition of the said section of the market on December 18, 2022, despite the service of court processes and prior agreement by the parties concerned.

He said the agreement which took place at the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, on December 17, 2022, was to stay active until the December 19, 2022 meeting.

“From the time the motion on notice was filed, up until now, more parts of the Alaba Section of the Mile 12 Market have been destroyed.

“Traders have been forced away from their shops, and thugs have been patrolling the area, assaulting anyone that comes close,” the counsel had submitted.

The judge adjourned the case until January 19 for further hearing.