The Nkomoro Onuogba Nike community in Enugu East Local Government Area has raised alarm over the alleged forceful takeover of their ancestral land by Professor Barth Nnaji, a former Minister of Power.
The community claims that Nnaji, with the support of security personnel, has been demolishing their homes and leaving them homeless.
According to Rev. Steven Itumo, Personal Assistant to the President General of Nkomoro Community, the crisis began when Professor Nnaji, accompanied by a large contingent of police officers and bulldozers, began demolishing houses in the area.
“We woke up one morning to find hundreds of policemen and bulldozers pulling down our homes. This land belongs to us, and we will not allow anyone to take it away,” Rev. Itumo said.
Residents of the community, visibly distressed by the demolitions, staged protests carrying placards with messages such as, “Barth Nnaji has rendered our people homeless,” “Governor Peter Mbah, please save us,” and “Barth Nnaji, leave our land alone.”
They appealed to the state government, particularly Governor Mbah, to intervene and protect their rights.
The land dispute dates back to 1974 when the neighboring Onuogba Nike community filed a lawsuit claiming ownership of the land. According to Rev. Jessie-Daniels Onuigbo, legal counsel to the Nkomoro community, the court initially ruled in favor of Onuogba Nike, a decision that was upheld by the Court of Appeal.
However, the Nkomoro community escalated the case to the Supreme Court, where it remains unresolved.
Despite the pending Supreme Court case, the Nkomoro community accuses Professor Nnaji, who allegedly purchased the land from Chief Titus Alinta, of attempting to forcefully take possession.
“We were not represented in court when Nnaji secured a judgment to demolish our homes,” Barr. Onuigbo explained, adding that the community has filed an appeal but is waiting for the court’s decision.
The community further alleges that Nnaji has used his influence and wealth to intimidate and harass them.
They claim that several members have been arrested and detained by security personnel during the dispute. The community urged the courts to allow the law to take its course and prevent further injustice.
In response to the allegations, Professor Nnaji, through his surveyor, Mr. Okwuchukwu Nnaji, clarified that the land in question was purchased by Chief Titus Alinta from the Onuogba Nike community in 1977.
Titus Alinta allegedly secured a Certificate of Occupancy in 1987 before transferring ownership to Nnaji in 2000. According to Mr. Nnaji, Alinta had engaged in a legal battle with the Nkomoro Onuogba Nike community before his death, after which his children continued the case until 2013, when the Enugu State High Court ruled in their favor.
“The recent demolition was carried out in accordance with a court-ordered execution of the judgment. Although there was an attempt at settlement, led by Bishop Onaga of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, it ultimately failed,”
Mr. Nnaji explained. He added that the disputed land spans approximately 103 hectares and that he holds a letter of authority from Professor Nnaji to divide the land accordingly.
As the dispute continues, the Nkomoro Onuogba Nike community remains in limbo, with many living in fear of further demolitions. The community has called on Governor Peter Mbah and other authorities to intervene and ensure that justice is served.
