Family Accuses Enugu Govt Of Demolishing Late High Court Judge’s Home

The family of late Justice Stanley Nnaji, a former Enugu State High Court judge murdered in 2021, has accused the Enugu State Government of illegally demolishing his residence at 1B Constitution Close, GRA, Enugu.

The demolition took place on August 7, 2025, when officials of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), backed by armed security operatives, pulled down the building.

The property was reportedly destroyed on the orders of the Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory, Uche Anya. The family described the action as unlawful, insisting no court order or prior notice was issued before the operation. They said Justice Nnaji’s residence had been legally monetised by a previous administration and belonged to them.

Relatives of the late judge alleged that some individuals had been presenting fake documents, including a forged Certificate of Occupancy, in a bid to take over the property. They claimed the same individuals had previously asked to share the house, and after being turned down, worked with government officials to execute the demolition. According to them, the operation was carried out in a “commando style,” leaving them without shelter.

The family is calling on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Peter Mbah, and other authorities to intervene, reverse the demolition, and rebuild the property. In a video shared after the incident, a bulldozer was seen tearing down the structures as armed operatives stood guard and residents watched.

They also accused two men, Christopher Okwudili Ani, known as Okwy Anya Red, and Ben Alukwu, also called Onyeze, of orchestrating the destruction.

Reacting to the allegations, the Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory, Uche Anya, denied wrongdoing. He maintained that the land does not belong to the Nnaji family. According to him, the property had been sold multiple times to another owner who presented valid documents confirmed by the Enugu Geographic Information System (EGIS). He said the demolition was carried out at the request of the person recognized as the rightful owner.

Justice Stanley Nnaji was killed in Enugu on May 31, 2021, when armed men dragged him out of his car and shot him at close range. His family says the fresh demolition has deepened their pain, adding to the tragedy of his unsolved murder.