Nigeria: Imo baby factory operator sued for N21.2m

A fake doctor, James Ezuma, who was paraded by the Imo State Police Command for operating a baby factory, where 16 expectant teenagers were rescued, has been sued at the Owerri High Court for converting the land where he built and operated the illegal motherless babies' home.

The claimant, Mr. Theophilus N. Obidike, said the land on Plot 40, New Market Layout, Owerri, belonged to him.

He said it was forcefully taken over by the defendant (Ezuma), who converted it to the headquarters of his purported Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Ezuma Women and Children Rights Protection Initiative (EWCRPI).

Obidike addede that before the defendant invaded the land, he had built and furnished a bungalow on the plot, which served as a lodge for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, but it was demolished by the defendant.

According to the statement of claim, "the claimant started building a house on the plot, which was completed and equipped in 2009. He let it out to NYSC members, who belong to the Deeper Life Bible Church, at no cost.

"Since then, corps members who worship at Deeper Life Bible Church have lived in the building.

"But the defendant (Ezuma), without the warrant or authorisation of the claimant, instigated his agents, privies and thugs and a bulldozer to invade the plot, thereby destroying his fence, property and crops. The invasion resulted in economic loss and damage for the claimant.

"The defendant has continued to trespass on the plot and when confronted, could not produce any lawful authority or warrant."

style="text-align:justify">It was learnt that the claimant's ownership of the land was founded upon a December 29,1989 Certificate of Occupancy registered at the Ministry of Lands, Owerri, in the name of Umello Oguike, an original allottee of the plot from the Imo State government and the head predecessor-in-title.

He is asking for the following reliefs: A declaration that the claimant, by the virtue of the Certificate of Occupancy, is the person entitled to Plot NML/40, New Market Layout Owerri, Imo State and that N21.2 million be awarded to him as special damages.

Joined in the suit to be heard on December 12 are the Registrar of Deeds and commissioner for Lands, Survey Urban Planning and Housing.