The Anambra State High Court, Awka Judicial Division, has fixed October 30, 2025, for the hearing of a lawsuit challenging the land document recertification and revalidation exercise initiated by Governor Charles Soludo's administration.

Justice Peace Otti set the date during Thursday's court session after the case came up for mention. The lawsuit was filed by activist Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, who is representing himself as a layman in the proceedings.

Details of the Legal Challenge

In suit number A/23/2025, Okonkwo has named four respondents: Governor Charles Soludo, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner for Lands, Survey, Urban Planning, and the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State.

The plaintiff alleges that the land recertification exercise violates the Land Use Act of 1978 and the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended). He specifically challenges the imposition of a N25,000 recertification/revalidation tax on Anambra landowners, claiming it lacks authorization under the Land Use Act.

In a 14-paragraph affidavit supporting his originating summons, Okonkwo further alleged that the "illegal" exercise was designed to "corruptly enrich the budget for Governor Soludo's re-election campaign" ahead of the November 8, 2025, Anambra State Governorship Election.

Plaintiff's Demands

The plaintiff has asked the court to interpret several sections of the Land Use Act regarding the governor's powers over land matters. He seeks 13 reliefs, including:

  • A declaratory order against the recertification exercise

  • An order for accounting of funds collected

  • An injunction to halt the exercise

  • Exemplary damages of N10 billion

  • A refund of the N25,000 recertification tax to all affected landowners

  • An order directing the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the alleged "mega financial fraud"

Government's Response

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Patrick Ikwueto, representing the Attorney General of Anambra State, filed a preliminary objection on May 6, 2025, on behalf of the first three defendants. The objection challenges Okonkwo's standing (locus standi) to bring the case and requests that the court dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

Okonkwo countered that the defendants failed to file a memorandum of appearance within the statutory 42-day period after service. He also argued that the "Notice of Preliminary Objection" filed by the defendants is not recognized under the High Court of Anambra State (Civil Procedures) Rules 2019, which requires such applications to be made by motion supported by affidavit.

Court Proceedings

During Thursday's session, Okonkwo informed the court that the matter was for mention. Cyril Eziamaka, holding the brief of Chika Ndianefo, announced appearance for the first three respondents.

Justice Otti noted that this was the first time the case was coming before her and ordered that a hearing notice be issued to the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, who is the fourth respondent. She subsequently adjourned the matter to October 30, 2025, for hearing.

The case has drawn significant attention as it challenges a major policy of the Soludo administration that affects property owners across Anambra State.

Follow BenriNews on Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | WhatsApp | Telegram