— Faces Death Threats From Land Grabbers
An Imo state man based in Austria, Mr. Duru Ndubuisi Umuemeziem, has raised alarm over the alleged illegal takeover of his land at Plot 57 Liberty Layout, Owerri. According to him, he legally acquired the property in 2018 and followed all due processes, only to return home in 2024 to discover that a three-story building had been constructed on the land by unknown persons. His efforts to reclaim the property have reportedly been met with threats, intimidation, and a seeming lack of action from authorities.
Ndubuisi said he purchased the land from Mr. Okonya Uchenna, a businessman known as “Young Millionaire,” and obtained an irrevocable Power of Attorney. In line with community demands, he also paid ₦300,000 as a development levy to Umudagu Youths. However, when he attempted to begin construction, the Umudagu Town Union and the Umudagu Committee on Mechanic Village allegedly demanded an additional ₦7 million before granting him full access to the land. After settling the fee in 2021 and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), he returned to Austria, believing the matter had been resolved.
Upon his return in 2024, Ndubuisi was shocked to find his land taken over, with a large building already standing on it. His inquiries led him to alleged land grabbers, led by one Nwachukwu from Ogwa in Mbaitoli LGA, who is reportedly known for illegally seizing and reselling land in Imo State. Ndubuisi also identified Onyekachi Ehirim, who presents himself as the President General of Umudagu Town Union, as one of those responsible for the fraudulent resale of his land.
As Ndubuisi continues to fight for the return of his property, the situation has escalated into a security concern. Reports indicate that unknown gunmen have been deployed to the land, preventing him from accessing it. Additionally, he and his family members have allegedly received life-threatening messages, warning them to abandon the case or face consequences.
The development has sparked widespread outrage, with many Imo residents and diaspora groups condemning the land grabbing and the alleged complicity of law enforcement. The Imo Community in Europe (ICE), through its Secretary, Dr. Ezekiel Agbarakwe, described the case as “a blatant act of injustice” and called on Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Inspector General of Police, and other relevant authorities to act immediately.
“This is not just about Ndubuisi—it is about every Imolite who invests back home, expecting security and fairness. If the government allows this to stand, it will send a dangerous message to our people in the diaspora that their investments are not safe,” Dr. Agbarakwe stated.
Other concerned Imo residents have also voiced their anger, demanding swift government intervention. “Land grabbing is becoming a crisis in Imo State,” said Chief Uche Uzomba, a resident of Owerri. “People cannot invest in their homeland only to return and find their properties stolen by criminals with police backing.”
Another resident, Mrs. Amaka Okorie, warned of possible unrest if justice is not served. “When people lose faith in the system, they may take matters into their own hands. The government and security agencies must act now before this situation escalates further,” she said.
With growing public outcry, all eyes are now on the Imo State Government and security agencies to see whether they will uphold the rule of law or allow impunity to prevail.
