Justice Cyprian Aja of the Enugu State High Court on Tuesday suspended the sitting of the administrative panel of inquiry set up by the state government to look into the land dispute in Ugwuaji community, Enugu South Local Government Area.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, had on September 3, 2020, inaugurated the panel to find a lasting solution to the dispute.

However, the people of Ogui Nike and Umunevo Ogui Nike community faulted the move on the grounds that the issues pertaining to the terms of reference of the panel were already before the court.

Consequently, one Paul Anike and Chinenye Maduekwe, for themselves and on behalf of their community dragged the state government to the court in suit No. E/464m/2020.

Ruling on a motion ex parte on Tuesday, Justice Aja ordered the respondents to stay all actions relating to the issue of ownership and or boundaries of the disputed land between Ogui Nike community and Ugwuaji community.

The respondents include the six members of the panel namely; James Ikeyi, Godwin Ugwoke, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, Godwin Ishiwu, Chudi Ozokolo and Robinson Odo being the first to sixth respondents.

Others are Enugu State Governor and the Attorney General of the state being the seventh and eight respondents respectively.

The applicants had through their counsel, Mr A. C. Anaenugwu (SAN), approached the court to challenge the setting up of the panel by the state government.

The matter was adjourned until October 12, 2020.