Court Issues Injunction in Umuocha Avu Land Dispute

An Owerri High Court has issued an interim injunction preventing the Imo State Government and four other defendants from further trespass on the disputed Umuocha Avu ancestral land along the Port Harcourt–Owerri Expressway. The order was granted by Justice Eke in Suit No.

HOW/83/2026, with a ruling on an interlocutory injunction application scheduled for October 22, 2026. The defendants include the Imo State Government, the Attorney-General of Imo State, Imo Housing Corporation, Vertex Estate Limited, and Michael Onyekachi.

The injunction follows an application by Barr. Chukwuma Machukwu-Ume (SAN), representing the plaintiffs, who alleged ongoing demolition and trespass by the defendants despite the case being before the court.

The plaintiffs, residents of Umuocha Avu in Owerri West Local Government Area, claim they are the rightful owners of the land and argue that their customary rights have not been revoked nor compensated. They seek a declaration of unlawful acquisition of the land and an order for the defendants to vacate the area.