Fresh concerns have emerged over alleged cases of land grabbing, forced demolitions, and abuse of authority in Imo State, as the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to immediately investigate the growing number of complaints from residents and property owners.
The Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, expressed concern over what he described as a disturbing pattern of disputes involving land ownership, property destruction, and allegations of official misconduct. He urged the state government to establish an independent inquiry to uncover the truth behind the controversies and restore public confidence in governance.
According to Nwanguma, reports from individuals and communities who claim to have lost homes, investments, and means of livelihood through questionable land-related actions have become too frequent to be ignored. He stressed that regardless of whether all the allegations are eventually proven, the scale and persistence of the complaints demand urgent attention from authorities.
Among the cases highlighted was that of Sampson Okwudire Inyama, who reportedly acquired a parcel of land in Avu through legally recognized procedures several years ago. Nwanguma said Inyama maintained that compensation was duly paid to relevant stakeholders and that all necessary documentation was processed before he took possession of the property and secured it.
However, he alleged that individuals said to be acting on behalf of the state government later entered the property and demolished fences and structures without prior notice. Investigations carried out by Inyama through legal representatives reportedly linked the demolition to activities connected to the Imo State Housing Authority.
Nwanguma further claimed that after discussions with officials, certain payments were requested and made, after which Inyama was allegedly encouraged to continue development on the land. Acting on that understanding, he reportedly rebuilt structures and resumed construction activities.
The rights advocate said another demolition exercise allegedly occurred earlier this year, affecting the same property and several others within the area. Property owners were reportedly informed that undeveloped lands posed security risks and could serve as hideouts for criminal activities. Despite assurances that development would address those concerns, the structures were allegedly demolished once again.
RULAAC questioned why property owners were allegedly subjected to heavy financial losses without adequate notice, consultation, or compensation. The organisation also raised concerns over reports that approvals had been granted and payments collected, only for the same developments to be later destroyed.
Nwanguma further called for scrutiny of allegations linking politically influential individuals to some of the disputed land matters. He noted that while such claims remain unproven, they are serious enough to warrant transparent investigation by independent authorities.
He warned that unresolved disputes over land ownership and demolitions could damage investor confidence, weaken trust in public institutions, and undermine respect for the rule of law. According to him, property rights guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution must be protected, while government powers over land administration should be exercised fairly, transparently, and within the limits of the law.
RULAAC urged Governor Uzodimma to demonstrate commitment to accountability by ordering a comprehensive investigation into allegations of unlawful demolitions and land seizures across the state. The organisation also called for sanctions against any officials found to have abused their positions and compensation for citizens who may have suffered losses through unlawful actions.
Nwanguma maintained that public confidence can only be restored through transparency, justice, and decisive action, warning that continued silence on the issue could further deepen public distrust and discourage investment in Imo State.
