Gladness Gideon
A legal confrontation is emerging at the Federal High Court in Asaba as seven residents of Ndokwa Nation in Delta State have filed separate lawsuits against the Federal Government, the Delta State Government, and key electricity agencies, accusing them of decades-long neglect and systemic human rights violations resulting from persistent power deprivation.
The plaintiffs—Nzete Davidson, Adimali Endurance, Chukwudi Ejechi, Kingsley Ossai, Stanley Adoh, Chinedu Okoro, and Osuya Chukwunwike—are indigenes of Ndokwa, host to the Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP), a major electricity-generating facility. Despite this, they allege their communities have lived in darkness for over a decade while electricity generated in their backyard is transmitted to major Nigerian cities including Lagos and Abuja.
In suits filed through their lawyer, Mr. Evans Ufeli, the applicants argue that the denial of power supply violates their rights to life, dignity, development, and freedom from discrimination, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. They further claim that the environmental hazards caused by gas flaring and toxic emissions from the IPP have added to their suffering, without any compensatory benefit.
Chinedu Okoro described the situation as “modern-day internal colonisation,” lamenting that “we live next to power but use lanterns and generators.”
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The suits also cite the violent disruption of a peaceful protest held on June 10, 2025, where demonstrators demanded electricity for their communities. Despite notifying security agencies in advance, the protesters were allegedly met with police brutality, tear gas, and arbitrary arrests. Some of the plaintiffs, including Davidson, were detained during the protest.
The applicants are seeking court declarations that the blackout and violent suppression of their peaceful demonstration violated their constitutional rights. They are also requesting an order compelling the Federal and Delta State governments, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to immediately supply electricity to Ndokwa communities. Additionally, they are demanding ₦5 billion in general and exemplary damages, along with interest until full payment is made.
A court date for the hearings is yet to be announced.