A formal appeal has been made to the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, urging urgent intervention over alleged land grabbing, abuse of power, and violations of property rights involving government officials.
In a letter addressed to the governor, made available to Securitynewsalert.com, Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Okechukwu Nwanguma, described the case as “deeply troubling” and reflective of “a disturbing pattern that threatens public trust in governance and the rule of law.”
The petition centres on Mr Sampson Okwudire Inyama, who reportedly acquired a parcel of land in Avu many years ago through a process facilitated by the late Chief Magistrate V. V. M. Njoku. According to the letter, “all due processes were duly followed,” including compensation to landowners and proper documentation, after which the land was fenced and secured.
However, the situation reportedly changed when individuals “claiming to act on the authority of the Imo State Government” allegedly demolished structures on the land without notice. Nwanguma stated that investigations conducted by the victim’s lawyer indicated that the demolition “was carried out under the authority of the Imo State Housing Authority.”
He further noted that after engagements with officials and payments made, the owner was advised to retake possession, leading him to rebuild and continue development on the property.
The letter recounts that in February, another demolition occurred, with authorities reportedly citing security concerns. “He was informed that the government required property owners in the area to develop their land,” Nwanguma wrote, adding that the owner complied.
Despite this, “in a shocking and unjustifiable turn of events,” all structures on the land, including buildings belonging to neighbouring property owners, were recently demolished “without notice, consultation, or compensation.”
Raising critical concerns, Nwanguma questioned the rationale behind such actions, asking, “Why are such demolitions carried out without regard to the severe economic losses inflicted on citizens?” He also queried why property owners were not notified or engaged and why authorities would “approve developments, collect payments, and later demolish the same structures.”
The letter further alleged possible misconduct involving certain individuals, including one identified as Chinasa, suggesting that the demolitions “may be part of a broader pattern of land grabbing involving persons linked to Government House.”
Nwanguma warned that such allegations, if proven, would constitute “a grave abuse of power and a serious breach of public trust.”
Emphasising constitutional protections, he stated, “The Constitution guarantees the right to property and protection from arbitrary deprivation. Government must act within the bounds of law, guided by due process, transparency, and accountability, not force and impunity.”
Nwanguma called for immediate government action, urging the governor to ensure accountability and justice for affected individuals. “This matter goes beyond one individual—it speaks to the safety of property rights, investor confidence, and the credibility of governance in Imo State,” he said.
He concluded by stressing the urgency of intervention, noting that “your decisive intervention is urgently needed to restore justice and public confidence.”
