The owner of Prodest Hotel, Mr. Gogorobari Promise Needam, has filed a lawsuit against the Rivers State government, seeking N1.1 billion in compensation for the demolition of his hotel during the COVID-19 lockdown. The property, located in Eleme Local Government Area, was ordered for demolition by former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on 9 May 2020. Needam is demanding compensation, claiming the demolition was “unlawful, malicious, and extrajudicial.”
Filed at the Rivers State High Court under suit number PHC/224/CS/2022, the case names the current Rivers State governor and the state Attorney-General as defendants. Needam seeks a court declaration stating the demolition of Prodest Hotel was “unjustifiable, malicious, and illegal,” and requests a court order for the Rivers State government to pay him N1,001,029,491 as special damages for the property’s destruction.
Additionally, Needam is seeking N500 million in general damages for the financial losses and emotional distress suffered by him and his family due to the demolition, along with N100 million in professional fees for the legal proceedings.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Justice CN Wali conducted the cross-examination of Dr. Bariledum Azoro, the hotel’s manager and the first witness in the case, who testified about his arrest and detention by the former governor during the demolition period. The case was adjourned until November 28, 2024, for further hearing and cross-examination.
After the hearing, Mr. Aziaka, representing Needam, expressed optimism about the outcome, stating that the demolition was done “in bad faith.” He also urged Ogoni youths to remain peaceful and allow the legal process to unfold, assuring them of a fair judgment.
