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Enugu Land crisis: Communities appear before Reps Committee, allege police intimidation, finger DCP, others

Published

2 years ago

March 22, 2024

The kindred families of Amechi Uwani, and Obeagu Awkunanaw, of Enugu South LGA, Enugu State, have appeared before the House of Reps Committee on Public Petitions in search of justice.

The communities who are the original owners of the disputed Enugu Centenary City made separate presentations pointing accusing fingers at Deputy Commissioner of Police Akinbayo Olasoji, of the Enugu State Command.

Also indicted are SP Chidiebere Ijioma and Uche Anya of the Enugu Capital Territory.

They urged the Reps Committee to ensure urgent actions against “the excesses of the officers, particularly SP Chidiebere Ijioma and DCP Akinbayo Olasoji of the Enugu State Police Command who are now providing these land grabbers with police cover under which they ceaselessly harass, intimidate and unjustifiably hound our members to prison on trumped up charges.

“…that you cause the IGP to direct the Department of Force Intelligence (DFI), and Zone 13 Command, to charge to court all cases reported and investigations concluded against these land grabbers and their hirelings, in order to serve as a deterrent and by so doing, protect us from their stranglehold. In the case of DFI, our case which investigation had been concluded since 2021, and the casefile reportedly forwarded to the FDPP appears to have been buried. It is our request that it be revisited for the interest of justice.”

The communities described the Reps Committee as their last hope, “in the face of the most vicious land grabbing spree, and illegal acquisition of our ancestral lands…demolitions by Private Estates International West Africa (PEIWA), led by one Kingsley Eze with his armed thugs and some persons in police uniform; the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), led by Uche Anya.

“Our anguish and pain goes beyond the demolitions unleashed on us, we were more alarmed with the gruesome murder of a police officer, Inspector Celestine Orodiovwe of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Enugu, in December 2021, who was investigating the case we reported against those we can describe as some hirelings of PEIWA.

“Between 2021 and 2022, there was an alarming spate of heinous crimes, particularly unresolved cases of murder. eg. The murder of Chidera Ogaba, Comrade Kelvin Ezeoha, among others.

“May we also draw your attention to the persistent invasion of our community and the numerous arrests of our people by the Enugu Police Command, particularly, SP Chidiebere Ijioma and DCP Akinbayo Olasoji who are being used to terrorize our people in favour of Kingsley Eze and his PEIWA. SP Chidiebere who has been in Enugu State Command for about 15 years now, has lost his sense of fairness as a police officer. Same as DCP Akinbayo Olasoji, who as the DCP Ops, Enugu Command, personally supervised the demolitions of our buildings alongside his officers.

They recalled that sequel to the murder of Sunday Ngene, an indigene of Obeagu Awkunanaw, in December, 2022 the traditional ruler Igwe Mike Nnukwu wrote a petition to the IGP which was assigned to Zone 13 for investigation.

As the police investigation was ongoing, the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), issued Notice of Demolition to “all illegal developers at Enugu Life Style and Gulf City (Centenary) Master Plan.” This Demolition Notice was published in the Vanguard Newspaper of Friday, April 21st, 2023.

We quickly instructed our lawyer to write A Letter of Objection to the Chairman, ECTDA, to rescind the Demolition Notice and await the outcome of the pending suit in respect of the land in question. We organized a peaceful protest, and in addition our traditional ruler held a World Press Conference on 2nd May, 2023 still in respect of the planned demolition.

“As soon as our traditional ruler rose from the World Press Conference, and in a manner intended to intimidate him and the entire community, he was confronted by some officers from the Homicide Section of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja inviting him and other members of the community to Abuja in respect of the murder of Sunday Ngene. The invitation letter was served on 2nd May, 2023 and directed them to report at FCID, Abuja on 4th May, 2023.

“Lo and behold, the demolition eventually began on 3rd May, 2023 despite all the steps we took. We were taken aback, as we wondered if it were a mere coincidence that the police invitation came on the 2nd, against a police interview on 4th May, 2023, and then the demolition of 3rd May, 2023. To us it was not a coincidence, it was a well-orchestrated plan by our opponents to use the police to intimidate and overawe us while they carry out the demolition and plunder our community.

“On the day of the demolition, we were amazed by the number of police officers who were mobilized and brought to our community. Well over 100 police officers led by DCP Akinbayo Olasoji, DCP Ops, swarmed our community, heavily armed with various weapons, teargas and smoke gunners which they lavishly and provocatively threw at our people without any resistance.”

They commended the IGP, who as the DIG FCID then, “sent back all our cases to Zone 13 for discreet, comprehensive investigation. Funny enough, when the same land grabbers could not have their way, they sponsored numerous other petitions accusing our people of killing our late son, Sunday Ngene. They eventually found willing tools in the Enugu State Police Command, Hawk Squad who stormed our community, arrested many of our people, and kept them in their custody without trial. Not less than ten of our indigenes were thus incarcerated and remained in police custody for over ten weeks before the police succumbed to pressure and had them released.

“In recent times, DCP Olasoji has devised another means of incarcerating our people. Currently, he deployed over 15 police officers on our land, and they will from time to time move around our community fishing for hapless members to arrest. Once arrested they will be taken to the Area Commander Metro, ACP Sogbeba Dulphine who will quickly arraign them on a charge of Promoting Communal War for which they will be remanded.

“DCP Akinbayo Olasoji has remained a thorn in our flesh, and has shown willingness to cause us endless nightmares. Sometime in January this year (2024), he personally led nearly the entire officers and men of the Enugu State Police Command and some officials of ECTDA to invade our land with force and arms in aid of the land grabbers. Most recent demolitions were carried out by DCP Olasoji and the land grabbers alongside their hired thugs. We have had cause to formally report the activities of DCP Olasoji to the police high command and to the Police Service Commission, yet we find this occasion more auspicious to report the atrocious acts of those officers because we believe in the potency of your constitutionally bestowed oversight powers.

News

Rights Group Petitions IGP, Seeks Probe of Police Role in Controversial Enugu Land Disputes

Published

14 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, over alleged abuse of office and misuse of police powers by officers of the Enugu State Police Command in connection with a controversial land dispute involving Ostara Farms Limited and the Okpogho Community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

In a petition dated May 29, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC accused the Officer-in-Charge of the Directorate of Legal Services, Enugu State Police Command, and other officers of allegedly interfering in ongoing land litigation, intimidating community members, and using criminal proceedings to influence a dispute that is already before several courts.

According to the organisation, the controversy centres on an agreement through which Ostara Farms Limited allegedly acquired about 2,000 hectares of communal land from individuals said to be acting on behalf of the community for a consideration of N50 million.

RULAAC said a significant number of community members have challenged the transaction, alleging that the agreement was entered into under questionable circumstances and contains terms that unfairly favour the company.

The rights group noted that several lawsuits concerning ownership and control of the disputed land are currently pending before courts in Enugu State, including Suit Nos. A/24/2025, AWH/41/2022, E/299M/2025, A/58/2025, A/59/2025, A/60/2025 and A/61/2025.

Despite the ongoing litigation, RULAAC expressed concern that police authorities have increasingly become involved in the matter through criminal investigations and prosecutions.

The organisation alleged that criminal allegations arising from the burning of a company-owned caterpillar by unidentified persons were being used to target outspoken opponents of the land transaction.

According to the petition, rather than identifying those directly responsible for the incident, the company allegedly supplied names of community leaders and critics of the land deal who were subsequently treated as suspects.

“If true, such actions amount to an abuse of police processes and a dangerous weaponisation of criminal justice mechanisms to suppress dissent, intimidate citizens and gain advantage in a civil dispute,” the organisation stated.

RULAAC further linked the matter to an earlier land dispute involving Obeagu Awkunanaw and Amechi Uwani communities and Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA), noting that both companies are reportedly associated with businessman Kingsley Tobechukwu Eze.

The organisation recalled that concerns over police involvement in the PEIWA dispute had earlier been brought to the attention of the IGP and referred to the Police Monitoring Unit at Force Headquarters.

It also referenced reports that Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited are facing criminal charges before the Federal High Court, Enugu, relating to the alleged forgery of a survey plan connected with the acquisition of ancestral lands in Enugu.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants were accused in Count I; “That you Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited, sometimes in 2009 or thereabouts, at Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did conspire among yourselves to commit a felony to wit: forgery of the Survey Plan titled “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” of 1985 and thereby committed an offence contrary 3 (6) and punishable under Section 1 (2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

COUNT II

“That you Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited, sometimes in 2009 or thereabouts, at Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did make or utter the Survey Plan titled “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” of 1985 knowing same to be false or with intent that it may in any way be used or acted upon as genuine and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1 (2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act…”

RULAAC also referred to findings reportedly contained in the Enugu State House of Assembly’s Special Committee Report on Land Matters and Disputes adopted in December 2024.

The organisation urged the IGP to direct the Police Monitoring Unit to immediately take over investigations and prosecutions arising from the Ostara Farms dispute, investigate allegations of misconduct against one CSP Justice Attah, the Officer-in-Charge, Directorate of Legal Services in Enugu, and review any criminal proceedings allegedly initiated for purposes of harassment or intimidation.

Meanwhile, in a separate petition dated May 28, 2026, the organisation called on the IGP to intervene in two criminal cases pending before the Federal High Court, Enugu, over the repeated failure of police authorities to produce defendants for arraignment.

The cases are Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, IGP v. Kingsley Eze & 2 Others, and Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/222/2024, IGP v. Alex Ifeadi & 2 Others.

According to RULAAC, the charges were filed following investigations by the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, and the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Enugu, indicating that investigations had been completed and prosecution was ready to proceed.

The organisation, however, lamented that despite the filing of the charges, the defendants have repeatedly not been produced before the court for arraignment, resulting in prolonged delays.

RULAAC said the cases came up before the Federal High Court on May 20, 2026, where the court reportedly expressed concern over the inability of the prosecution to present the defendants for plea.

The rights group warned that the continued delays could lead to the cases being struck out for lack of diligent prosecution, thereby undermining public confidence in the criminal justice system.

It urged the IGP to direct the FCID Annex, Enugu, and the FID Abuja, through the Directorate of Legal Services, to ensure the production of the defendants on the next adjourned date of June 18, 2026, and facilitate diligent prosecution of the matters.

RULAAC maintained that its intervention was aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the justice system and ensuring that police powers are exercised impartially and in accordance with the rule of law.

News

Police Declare 6 IPOB Members Wanted Over Protests Against Kanu’s Jail Terms

Published

21 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

By Okey Maduforo Awka

Six members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra IPOB have been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police .

The six persons led by Mr Chukwuebuka Ohaechesi, include Emma Okonkwo, Jude Uwa, Gentle Okoro, Uchenna Dike, and Emmanuel Nwankwo who are said to be at large.

The were said to have fled to neighboring states in the South East hence signaling the other four Police Commands in the geopolitical zone to assist in the manhunt for them

The Police accused them of executing protests against the detaintion of the leader of IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is currently serving jail terms in Sokoto Correction Center.

According to a statement issued by the Abia Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eguavon Omokaro, the individuals are suspected members of IPOB who have allegedly participated in protests at various times and locations within the state.

The statement alleged that the protests were organised in connection with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demands for justice through the judicial process.

The Police Command further stated that these protests have allegedly resulted in breaches of peace and disruptions to law and order in Abia State. Consequently, the Police Intelligence Department reportedly concluded that the named individuals were among the principal organisers and coordinators of the demonstrations.

The statement further alleged that; ;
“It should be noted that on every 30th day of May, these men and their cohorts convene for the so-called remembrance of Biafra, holding clandestine meetings at various locations in the name of the emancipation of the Biafran Republic and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

According to the police, the six individuals were invited on several occasions for questioning in relation to the allegations against them.

The statement indicated that the first invitation was issued on 18 December 2025, followed by a second invitation on 7 February 2026, and a third invitation on 3 March 2026.

The police alleged that the individuals failed to honour all three invitations.

The statement further asserted:
“These individuals were invited by the police on several occasions. Firstly, on 18 December 2025, they failed to honour the invitation. Again, they were invited on 7th February 2026 and failed to appear. Finally, they were invited on 3 March 2026, and they also failed to present themselves before the police.” It stated.

As a result, the Abia State Police Command announced that all six individuals had been formally declared wanted.

The police appealed to members of the public to provide any reliable information that could lead to their arrest and prosecution, stating that informants would be suitably rewarded.

The declaration of the six individuals as wanted persons is linked to allegations of their participation in pro-Biafra activities, demonstrations concerning the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and their alleged association with IPOB, an organisation that has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and security operations by Nigerian authorities.

News

Power Doesn’t Last Forever, It Has Expiry Date — VeryDarkMan Warns Wike

Published

1 day ago

June 3, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

Social media activist and commentator, , popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , over comments he allegedly made concerning teachers protesting in solidarity with colleagues and schoolchildren affected by insecurity in Oyo State.

In a statement shared on social media, VeryDarkMan argued that Wike may not fully understand the pain and trauma experienced by parents of abducted children and affected teachers. He claimed that the minister’s children were educated abroad, away from the security challenges facing many Nigerian families.Nigerian entertainment news

The activist stated that insecurity, kidnapping, and attacks on schools remain serious national concerns and should not be dismissed or reduced to political issues. He stressed that the fears and frustrations of parents whose children face security threats deserve greater attention from public officials.

VeryDarkMan further warned that political power is temporary, urging leaders to remain accountable to the people and sensitive to the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.

News

DSS Detains Novelist Okey Ndibe at Lagos Airport, Awaits Clearance from Abuja

Published

3 days ago

June 1, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

DSS Detains Novelist Okey Ndibe at Lagos Airport, Awaits Clearance from Abuja
Renowned Nigerian novelist, journalist, and academic, Okey Ndibe, was reportedly detained by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) upon his arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Monday morning.
Ndibe disclosed his situation in a message sent while in custody, stating: “I’ve been with the SSS now for more than an hour. They’re waiting for clearance from some oga before they let me go.”
According to sources close to the writer, his detention follows a pattern that dates back to previous administrations, including that of former President Goodluck Jonathan, during which he was frequently stopped and questioned over his critical commentaries on Nigerian governance and public affairs.
However, associates noted that Ndibe has largely stepped away from active commentary in Nigerian media over the past two years, focusing instead on writing books and his academic responsibilities at University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he teaches.
A close friend of the author and former Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, said similar incidents had occurred several times in the past. He explained that airport DSS officials typically contacted their superiors in Abuja before eventually releasing Ndibe.
“It is a pity that this agency doesn’t update its database to enable officers on duty at the airport to know that the agency no longer regards Prof. Ndibe as a security threat to the administration,” Adinuba said.
He added that on previous occasions, the DSS had apologized to the respected author after determining that his detention was unwarranted.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the DSS regarding the circumstances surrounding Ndibe’s latest detention. The development has raised renewed concerns about the treatment of government critics and the continued use of security watchlists affecting returning Nigerians.

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US Secretary of War explains anti-ISIS strikes in Nigeria

Published

1 week ago

May 28, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has disclosed that President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to prioritise the protection of Christians in Nigeria targeted by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-linked groups.

Hegseth made the disclosure during a press conference at the White House on Wednesday, where he said the directive was issued about a year ago after Trump became aware of attacks against Christians in Nigeria.

He explained that the operation involved behind-the-scenes coordination and deployment of military assets, adding that intelligence gathered during the mission contributed to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as ISIS’s second-in-command, during a joint operation involving U.S. and Nigerian forces in the Lake Chad Basin.

“Maybe a year ago, he heard the call of Nigerian Christians who were being targeted and killed by ISIS in Nigeria, and he said, ‘Pete, I want the War Department to focus on ensuring that we do everything we can to protect those Christians,’” Hegseth said.

According to him, the operation yielded significant results in the fight against terrorism in the region.

“And we got the assets there, and over the last month, and there hasn’t been much coverage of this, we killed ISIS number two in Nigeria, who’s most responsible for killing Christians and trying to target the U.S. homeland,” he stated.

Hegseth further said intelligence obtained during the operation led to the elimination of several ISIS fighters linked to attacks on Christians in Nigeria and threats against the United States.

Hegseth added that working on the Intel gathered, they have killed hundreds of ISIS members who were targeting and killing Christians in Nigeria.

The U.S. defence chief described the operation as part of the Trump administration’s broader commitment to counterterrorism efforts and the protection of vulnerable communities.

“So there are a lot of things we do that the media pays attention to, and a lot of things that the President empowers the Department to do on behalf of the American people that he deserves great credit for,” Hegseth stated.

ISIS second in command, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was killed in a coordinated U.S.-Nigeria military operation in northeast Nigeria earlier this month.