By Jelili Gbadamosi
A Magistrate Court in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, has ordered Kufre Udosen, Special Adviser to Governor Umo Eno on Political and Social Orientation, to pay ₦540,000 in rent arrears and vacate a one-room store he has occupied since 2015.
The court also directed Udosen to pay ₦10,000 in legal costs and an additional ₦5,000 monthly from October 2025 until he hands over possession of the property to its owner, Ime Archibong Akpan.
The judgment, delivered on August 17, 2026, by Chief Magistrate Nsikak Ibanga, followed a suit filed by Akpan to recover possession of his property at No. 245 Ibekwe Road, Ikot Abasi.
According to the court proceedings, Udosen’s one-year tenancy expired in December 2015, but he allegedly failed to renew the agreement or vacate the premises despite repeated appeals by the landlord.
The property owner subsequently approached the court to recover possession of the store and outstanding rent.
The court noted that the defendant had failed to appear, take a plea or present a defence throughout the proceedings.
In its ruling, the court directed Udosen to vacate the premises and settle the outstanding payments on or before October 9, 2026.
It further ordered that if he failed to surrender the property as directed, the court bailiff could force open the doors to enable the landlord to regain access.
However, Udosen faulted the judgment, describing it as erroneous. He claimed he was unaware of the notice concerning the proceedings and disclosed that he had appealed the Magistrate Court’s decision.
