The Delta State Committee/Task Force on Ground Rent has taken legal action against property owners in Asaba, the state capital over refusal to pay ground rent, in accordance with Section 56 of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service Law, 2020.
The suit in the name of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service, brought 43 property owners before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Asaba, charging them with defaulting on their annual ground rent payments despite receiving demand notices and court summons.
Chief Magistrate Doris Mokwenye, presiding at the mobile court, ruled that those found guilty must pay the statutory fee along with an additional 10 per cent penalty.
“Failure to comply with the court’s order will result in one-month imprisonment”, she ruled.
Charges were withdrawn for some who settled their dues before the mobile court began sitting.
Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Chairman of the Delta State Committee on Ground Rent/Task Force, Mr. Paul Esejor, explained that the mobile court was adopted to expedite the legal process for default in ground rent.
“This court process aligns with the Ground Rent Committee’s mandate to ensure swift justice without delay which is why we chose the mobile court option”, Esejor stated. “Mobile Courts are special courts set up by enabling laws, constituted by the Chief Judge, and typically presided over by a magistrate.”
Esejor confirmed that defaulters were given ample time before being taken to court.
“Ground rent is a statutory fee required from all landed property owners in the state, whether or not they have a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
The state government issues demand notices annually and also runs reminders in print and electronic media.
Despite these efforts, some property owners only comply when legal action is taken.”
He also outlined the other statutory fees applicable in the state, including the Governor’s Consent Fee, Infrastructure Development Fee, Alteration Fees, Fencing Fee & BQ Fee, Change of Use Fees (where applicable), and Building Plan Approval.
Regarding compliance levels, Esejor noted that increased awareness through court actions and media coverage has led to more property owners paying their ground rent.
He urged all property owners to fulfill their obligations to support the government’s efforts in funding infrastructure and public projects.
Earlier, the state prosecutor, Mr. Dibuike Esuzor, emphasized that the Mobile Court was specifically established to handle matters related to ground rent.
He warned defaulters to settle their dues promptly to avoid further legal consequences.
