By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
The Gombe State High Court of Justice, presided over by Justice Fatima Musa, has scheduled a hearing for February 17 regarding a land dispute between Emir General Integrated Limited (plaintiff) and Grandscope Construction Limited (respondent). The hearing is expected to address the pending motion.
Following a court appearance on Thursday, Barrister Suleiman Abdurraheem, counsel for the plaintiff, informed reporters that the case concerns alleged trespass on land by Grandscope Construction Limited. He stated that the court had previously granted an ex-parte order restraining the respondent from further development on the disputed property.
Barrister Garba Ibn Ali Subi, representing the respondent, confirmed that they were served with the plaintiff’s documents during the court session and will file a formal response by the scheduled hearing date.
The court initially issued an order on November 14, 2024, in Suit No: GM/116/2024, instructing Grandscope Construction Limited to cease all development on the land in question.
The original order stated: “The defendant, whether acting directly or through agents, workmen, laborers, privies, employers, or representatives, is restrained from further entering, erecting structures, and/or commencing construction work on the property subject to this suit, pending the hearing of the motion on notice filed in this case.”
Subsequently, at a hearing on December 17, 2024, Justice Fatima Musa granted a further ex-parte order, authorizing substituted service of court documents on the respondent by posting them on the exterior wall of the construction company’s office.
In the four points prayer presented to the court, the plaintiff claimed to be the beneficial and lawful owner of the plot covered by Certificate of Occupancy No. GM/15926 situated along Gombe – Bajoga Road, adjacent NURTW Office.
While praying for demolition of any structure erected by the respondent on the land, the Plaintiff asked the court for an award of special damages in the sum of 35 Million Naira against the defendant, and an award of general damages in the sum of 800 Million Naira against the Defendant.