Land Dispute Showdown: Nkwubor Nike Enugu Community and Caritas University Restricted by Court
To prevent a collapse of law and order, an Enugu State High Court has instructed all parties to refrain from entering a contested parcel of land involving Caritas University and Nkwubor Nike Community in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The court’s directive will remain in effect until the resolution of the motion on notice.
This order, issued by Justice C. O. Ajar, came after an ex parte request submitted by the plaintiffs’ attorney, C. C. Eze, dated December 19, 2025.
In the case designated E/LL77M/2025, Pilgrim Sisters Nigeria Ltd and Caritas University serve as plaintiffs/applicants, while the defendants/respondents include Mr. John Chudi Aneke, recognized as a former President General, Jideofor Anike, noted as the caretaker chairman of the community, alongside Messrs Issac Agbowo, Okoh Linus, and Okoh Josephat, representing themselves and the members of Nkwubor Nike Community, Enugu East Local Government Area, Enugu State.
The court, in its ruling, prohibited both factions from engaging in any activities regarding the disputed land, which spans approximately 84.25 hectares, located at Ugwu Edfogili, Akama, Amore Nike.
Justice Ajar stated: “That both the Defendants/Respondents and the Plaintiffs/Applicants, whether individually, through their agents, associates, representatives, assigns, or any other individuals claiming through them, are hereby restrained from entering or attempting to enter or performing any actions of any kind on the plot of land until the hearing and resolution of the Motion on Notice.”
The court additionally instructed that the order be communicated to the defendants through alternative methods, which include posting at the entrance of Nkwubor Village Hall in the Nike community.
In their affidavit backing the motion, the plaintiffs made significant accusations against the defendants, including extensive property damage, life-threatening behavior, and ongoing trespass despite the legal proceedings still pending.
The plaintiffs are seeking the court’s intervention in their claims against the defendants as follows;
“A DECLARATION confirming that the plaintiffs are the rightful bona fide and lawful proprietors of ALL THAT parcel of land that is a component of a larger tract measuring approximately 84.25 hectares known as, called and situated at Ugba Edeogidi, Akama, Amorji Nike Community, Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
“A DECLARATION affirming that the plaintiffs possess the deemed Statutory Rights of Occupancy concerning ALL THAT parcel of land that forms part of a larger area measuring approximately 84.25 hectares known as, called and situated at Ugba Edeogidi, Akama, Amorji Nike Community, Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
“AN ORDER to annul any sale, transfer, or alienation of interest to a third party or any other person as described by the defendants, their agents, associates, assigns, legal representatives, or any other individuals acting on behalf of the defendants and/or asserting to act on behalf of Nkwubor Village regarding the plaintiffs’ parcel of land contained in a larger area measuring approximately 84.25 hectares situated at Ugba Edeogili, Akama, Amorji Nike Community, Enugu East Local Government Area, Enugu State.
“AN ORDER for a perpetual injunction preventing the defendants, either personally, through their agents, or under any alleged authority, power of attorney, etc., purportedly granted by them or their Nkwubor Village regarding the plaintiffs’ parcel of land described as stated above.
Meanwhile, the attorney for the plaintiffs indicated that contempt proceedings have been initiated against the defendants, who are accused of ignoring a valid court order.
He added that, despite the court’s directive, members of the community continued to divide and sell the contentious land that is currently under litigation.
“Forms 48 and 49 have been served on members of the Nkwubor community because their presence on that land defies the court order stating that no one should enter the land; everyone should maintain distance to avert a breakdown of law and order.
“Thus, their presence on the land is a violation of the court order, which they must adhere to,” the plaintiffs’ attorney expressed.
