A dramatic incident unfolded in Aba on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, when operatives of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) allegedly stormed the premises of Enyimba TV and Radio Limited, in what the media organisation has described as a “brazen violation” of a subsisting court order and an “assault on press freedom.”
According to a statement issued by Enyimba TV and Radio’s management, the invasion occurred shortly after 11:00 a.m. when stern-looking men, later identified as GADA officials, arrived in six buses and disrupted activities at the station. Staff members reported being harassed and threatened with physical violence, with some initially mistaking the group for hired thugs due to their aggressive conduct.
The organisation’s claim was later reinforced by a press release from GADA’s Head of Information Unit/PRO, Mr. Chibuzo Amaechi, confirming that the invading team was indeed from the agency.
Enyimba TV and Radio maintains that the action was in direct defiance of a July 29, 2025, High Court of Abia State order in Suit No: A/137/2025. The order directed the Aba North Town Planning Authority, the Greater Aba Development Authority, and the agency’s Director General to “maintain the status quo” and stay away from the station’s permanent project site pending further hearings. The matter was adjourned to October 7, 2025.
The media house alleges that its permanent site, currently under construction, had earlier been unlawfully sealed by GADA despite compliance with all statutory requirements and approvals. This dispute prompted the legal action that resulted in the court order.
The management also drew attention to the November 2, 2024, fire incident that severely damaged its operations. Since then, the organisation has been running its three radio stations from the burnt-out section of its temporary site under difficult conditions.
Tuesday’s invasion, the station claims, further worsened matters as GADA operatives reportedly caused distress to minors participating in its ongoing Summer Broadcast Academy. Loud, aggressive shouting allegedly traumatised the children, creating what the station described as an “unsafe and hostile environment.”
Enyimba TV and Radio has vowed not to be intimidated, insisting that it possesses video and audio evidence of the incident. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to serving its audience and continuing its people-oriented programming despite the disruption.
As of press time, GADA was yet to respond to the specific allegations of contempt of court raised by the station and efforts by NATIONAL CONCORD to reach its officers proved abortive.
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