Justice Joseph Ifeanyi Nweze of the Anambra State High Court has restrained Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo from demolishing the Onitsha Main Market, a ruling that has brought relief to traders.

The court also restrained the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner of Police, and the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, all named as respondents in the suit.

The plaintiffs, led by Izuchukwu Paul Madubuko and represented by Nnamdi Ibegbu, SAN under Ref No: O/MISC.35/2026, sought to prevent the planned demolition. The ruling, dated February 25, 2027, was obtained on Saturday. Seven applicants filed the suit on behalf of themselves, traders, and occupants of Human Fence Zone 1 Line in the market.

Governor Soludo had described the immediate remodelling as “hard, but necessary,” noting that the once-famed “biggest market in West Africa” had deteriorated. Over 10,000 shops were marked for demolition, with traders given a 14-day ultimatum to vacate.

Traders challenged the move, describing it as a vendetta and warning of substantial financial losses. The court’s decision was hailed as a victory for the rule of law and traders’ rights.

Justice Nweze ordered all parties to maintain the status quo and refrain from any self-help measures. He instructed counsels to formally notify the Attorney-General and adjourned the substantive hearing to March 16, 2026.

Meanwhile, the United Igbo Elders Council (UIEC) appealed to Governor Soludo to consider alternatives, such as building extension markets or relocating parts of the market. Its President, Dr Emmanuel Udeze, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution security agencies against interfering, describing Onitsha Market as a national treasure that should not be left to the whims of “adventurous governors.”