News
How Elvis Emecheta Attempted Duping A Lagos Business Mogul: Why Abuja High Court Ordered Sealing Of Disputed Lekki Waterfront Property
Contrary to misleading reports and narratives circulating in some quarters regarding the sealing of a disputed waterfront property within the Lekki Peninsula Scheme, Lagos, fresh facts have emerged to clarify the circumstances that led to the court action, the involvement of law enforcement agencies and the role of Lagos State regulatory authorities.
The claimant, Mr. Henry Ugonna Orabuchi has explained that the legal steps taken were a measure of last resort, prompted by what he described as glaring inconsistencies, regulatory violations, and potential fraud surrounding the transaction involving the disputed land.
Background of the Transaction:
Mr. Orabuchi was introduced to Mr. Elvis Emecheta Eze sometime in 2022 by an agent who presented Mr. Emecheta is the owner of a waterfront property located in Lekki, Lagos. He was informed that a substantial portion of the land was waterlogged and that Mr. Emecheta was seeking a financial partner to sand-fill the area, after which the reclaimed land would be sold at the rate of ₦800,000 per square meter.
Following negotiations, Mr. Orabuchi entered into a formal agreement to purchase 3,000 square meters of the reclaimed land for a total consideration of ₦2.4 billion. During the course of the transaction, Mr. Emecheta further requested an additional ₦100 million to fast track the process, which Mr. Orabuchi obliged in good faith. The agreement was executed based on documents presented by Mr. Emecheta, including a Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) over the main property, abutting the waterfront.
It was expressly represented that Mr. Orabuchi’s Governor’s consent over the reclaimed portion would be derived from the root of- title of the main property.
Mr. Orabuchi stated that the main property, which already had a developed structure, provided the only access to the waterfront being reclaimed. This made the main property and the reclaimed waterfront land physically, legally, and commercially inseparable, a fact clearly captured in the contract of sale.
It was further agreed that access to the reclaimed land would be created through the main property, including the construction of an access road leading from the existing structure to the waterfront portion.
Regulatory Issues and Red Flags:
Under the agreement, Mr. Emecheta undertook to sand-fill the waterlogged area and perfect all necessary documentation within 17 months, with assurances that the root of title already enjoyed Lagos State Governor’s Consent.
However, following the sand-filling exercise, officials of the Lagos State Government reportedly conducted an assessment and confirmed that only 6,700 square meters of land was legally recognised as having been reclaimed by Mr. Emecheta. Rather than accept and regularise the assessment, Mr. Emecheta allegedly rejected the report, insisting on reclaiming up to 10,000 square meters through the federal government.
During this period, Mr. Emecheta reportedly engaged the services of agents to start marketing the whole reclaimed water front property without releasing and perfection of title documents for Mr Henry Orabuchi, rather, portions of the said property was fraudulently assigned to Lord of Hosts Miracle Church and other business operators.
It is important to question the motives behind the actions of Mr. Elvis Emecheta, who failed to release the relevant title documents to the genuine and legitimate purchaser, Mr. Henry Orabuchi, yet assigned same to a church owner and other business enterprises.
Mr. Orabuchi consiquently alleged that Mr. Emecheta acted deviously by deliberately stalling the title perfection process, thereby evading full performance of his obligations under the contract of sale.
Further investigations revealed that most of the structures erected on the said property by Mr. Elvis Emecheta was constructed without valid planning and proper documentation, which contravened the lagos state building regulations hence, the Lagos State Building Control Authority (LASBCA) moved in to remove the illegal structures during its regulatory assessment exercise. These developments, Mr. Orabuchi stated, directly contradicted earlier representations made to him and raised serious concerns regarding the legality, ownership, and extent of the land.
Law Enforcement and Court Intervention:
Faced with material inconsistencies, regulatory breaches, and the risk of substantial financial loss, Mr. Orabuchi demanded that proper legal steps be taken to perfect the title to the disputed land in order to avoid sanctions or penalties from relevant government agencies that could frustrate the contract of sale duly executed by both parties
Prior to instituting the suit, Mr. Orabuchi petitioned the Office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) against Mr. Elvis Emecheta for Obtaing money by false pretenses, criminal breach of trust, cheating, and conduct likely to cause the breach of the peace. After reviewing the petition, the IGP directed that the matter be referred to Zone 2 Police Command Headquarters onikan Lagos for discreet investigation.
While investigation was still ongoing at the Zone 2 command Headquarters for his criminal culpability, Mr Emecheta allegedly petitioned the IGP monitoring unit Abuja in order to pervert the cause of justice on the matter contrary to the extant directives of the IGP on duplication of cases.
To avoid conflicting investigations, the IGP reportedly redirected the Monitoring Unit Abuja to step aside and allow Zone 2 command to conclude its investigation
Despite the clear directives from the IGP, officers attached to the monitoring units, Abuja continues to threaten and harassed Mr Henry Orabuchi, which necessitated the civil action instituted at the federal high court Abuja in suit No: FCT/HC/CV/ 4636/2025 against the officers attached to the Monitoring unit Abuja and other parties, seeking the protection of his fundamental rights and the preservation of the property in dispute.
Based on his application, the court granted an ex parte order directing the sealing of the disputed property and the suspension of all activities on the premises pending the hearing and determination of the matter. The order was issued specifically to prevent a breach of public peace and to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
Subsiquently, the said property was sealed strictly in accordance with the court order by the appropriate enforcement agents.
Mr. orabuchi urged the general public to disregard the false narratives been peddled by Mr Elvis Emecheta and his team designed to whip up sentiment, he concluded by warning the members of the public and other prospective investors to be wary of Mr. EMECHETA’s nefarious activities and exercise extreme caution in any dealings with him in order not to fall victim.
The Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry Enugu, , has offered prayers for , praying for God’s favour, protection, and victory as the state approaches the coming elections.
Speaking during a church gathering, Mbaka declared that Governor Mbah would succeed, expressing confidence that God, whom he said had begun a great work through the governor, would bring it to completion.
“It shall be well with Peter Mbah; may the favour of God be with him. We back him with our prayers. The Adoration family throws our prayers around him, that he will succeed, in the name of Jesus. May God grant him the power of victory at the end of the whole election,” Mbaka said.
The cleric further expressed hope that Mbah’s leadership would bring joy to the Igbo people, the people of Enugu State, and the Church, adding that the Igbo economy could witness greater advancement under his administration.
According to Mbaka, the progress recorded so far gives hope that greater achievements lie ahead, stressing that God would perfect the work already begun.
His remarks come as political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the forthcoming elections.
ENUGU — Governor Peter Mbah has directed the Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (ESEMA) to provide immediate relief materials and other palliative support to two families displaced by the fire that razed a two-storey building at No. 22 Church Road, Asata, Enugu, on Saturday.
The governor’s directive followed reports by Everydaynewsngr that the inferno destroyed two flats and consumed household property, valuables, and important documents belonging to the affected families, leaving them homeless.
The General Manager of ESEMA is expected to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate the distribution of emergency relief items to ease the hardship faced by the victims while further interventions are considered.
Residents of the area welcomed the governor’s swift response, describing it as a demonstration of compassion and responsible leadership at a difficult time for the affected families.
One of the victims, an employee of a higher institution in Enugu State who is said to be approaching retirement, had lamented that the fire wiped out decades of savings and destroyed all his household belongings, including vital documents and certificates.
No lives were lost in the incident, while the cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the outbreak as affected families begin the difficult task of rebuilding their lives.
The state government urged residents to remain safety conscious and report fire emergencies promptly to relevant agencies to minimise damage and loss of property.
By Our Reporter
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s real estate industry, alongside Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited, have called for urgent reforms to strengthen professionalism, transparency, and investor confidence in the sector.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued on Monday in Enugu following the company’s 2026 Mid-Year Seminar/Luncheon, held on Friday, July 3, at Wendy’s Place. The seminar, themed “Next-Level Real Estate Practices,” brought together real estate developers, chief executive officers, realtors, marketers, investors, and other stakeholders from the South-East to examine emerging industry trends, challenges, and practical strategies for sustainable growth.
According to the communiqué, participants unanimously adopted several resolutions after extensive deliberations.
Among the key resolutions was a call for stronger government action against the multiple sale of land. Participants urged the Federal, State, and Local Governments to strengthen land administration policies and impose stringent sanctions on communities and individuals involved in the fraudulent sale of the same parcel of land to multiple buyers.
They noted that such practices continue to erode investor confidence, fuel land-related litigation, and discourage genuine investment in the real estate sector.
The stakeholders also stressed the need to promote professionalism and healthy competition within the industry. They maintained that competition should be driven by integrity, innovation, quality service delivery, and professionalism rather than unhealthy rivalry, misinformation, or actions capable of damaging the reputation of fellow practitioners.
They further encouraged industry leaders to embrace collaboration as a means of promoting collective growth and enhancing public confidence in the sector.
The communiqué also emphasised the importance of honesty and transparency in dealings with clients. Participants urged real estate practitioners to refrain from making false claims, exaggerating property values, misrepresenting estate locations or approvals, or giving unrealistic assurances merely to secure transactions.
They insisted that prospective buyers should be provided with accurate, verifiable, and complete information before making investment decisions.
On service delivery, the seminar called on real estate developers and chief executives to establish effective internal controls to eliminate the overselling or double allocation of plots. Developers were also urged to ensure prompt allocation of purchased lands and timely issuance of all necessary documentation.
According to the communiqué, efficient service delivery is critical to sustaining customer trust and improving the credibility of the industry.
The participants also called on government agencies, industry regulators, professional bodies, community leaders, developers, and practitioners to work together in building a transparent, accountable, and investment-friendly real estate environment that protects property buyers and supports sustainable national development.
Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical business practices, professional excellence, continuous capacity development, and responsible real estate investment in Nigeria.
The communiqué was signed by Comrade Damian Ogudike and Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, directors of Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited, on behalf of the company’s board. It was also drafted and endorsed by the seminar’s resource persons, Mrs. Amaka Dim of Exotic Landlady Estate and Miss Blessing Anene of BuildWise Solution Centre Estate.
By Our Correspondent
ENUGU — Two families were left homeless on Saturday after a fire destroyed two flats in a two-storey building located at No. 22 Church Road, Asata, in Enugu metropolis.
The fire, which started at about 10 a.m., reportedly broke out after the occupants of the affected upper-floor flats had left for their daily activities.
Although the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report, eyewitness Tony Iroji said the inferno completely destroyed household items and other valuables in the affected apartments.
One of the victims, who returned home while the building was engulfed in flames, reportedly collapsed after seeing the extent of the damage. He was revived by sympathisers at the scene.
The victim, said to be an employee of one of the higher institutions in Enugu State and nearing retirement, lamented that years of hard work had been wiped out by the incident.
According to him, the fire destroyed all his household property, including important documents and certificates, leaving him with no option but to relocate his family to his ancestral home.
“All I have worked for all these years is gone,” he said in tears.
No life was lost in the incident, but residents appealed to the Enugu State Government, emergency management agencies and public-spirited individuals to come to the aid of the affected families, even as they urged the authorities to investigate the cause of the fire.
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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the apex students governing body, has issued a four days ultimatum to South African business interests to evacuate Nigeria.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Enugu by Comrade Amb. Bestman Okereafor, NANS National Executive Director, Cooperate and Private Sectors Engagement.
The statement said that after the expiration of the ultimatum, South African business interests would face full wrath of the over 43.1 million Nigerian students scattered in the nooks and crannies of the country.
“The attention of the apex students governing body, NANS, has been drawn to continuous attacks, intimidation and subsequent chase of law abiding, peaceful and hardworking Nigerians and other Africans from South Africa.
“As the biggest students body in Africa, we are giving South African business interests four days to evacuate our beloved country, Nigeria.
“The reason for this action is simple. South Africans cannot continue to oppress and chase our people from their country and expect their businesses to thrive on our soil,” it said.
The statement further noted that immediately after expiration of the ultimatum, NANS will consider picketing South Africa business interests, while further actions will follow.”
It called on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the African Union (AU) to take more decisive actions against South Africa for their inimical acts towards other Africans.
“It is on record that Nigeria played a major role in support of South Africa during the apartheid struggle and should never be paid with disloyalty, disrespect and global embarrassment,” it added.
It would be recalled that xenophobic attack by South Africans on other Africans for some months had led to Nigerians being physically assaulted, embarrassed, intimidated, injured and some gruesomely murdered.
Several Nigeria business interests and business premises, owned by law abiding Nigerians in South Africa, had been completely burnt down or destroyed by rampaging South Africans without any justification.
The alleged perpetrators of these crimes had earlier given Nigerians and other Africans an ultimatum of June 30 to leave South Africa.
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had in recent weeks airlifted hundreds of Nigerians, who are willing to leave the unfriendly country and her people, free of charge back to Nigeria.
However, some of those, who returned to Nigeria recently, left South Africa barely with the cloth they put on, losing savings, valuables and businesses they set up or acquired after many years.
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