Mbah, IGP petitioned after private estate erects gate on public road in Enugu
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has raised alarm that a private estate has erected gate on a public access road into Amechi Uwani and Obeagu Awkunanaw communities in Enugu South Local Government Area, warning that the action could lead to crisis and violence if urgent steps are not taken.
In separate petitions addressed to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and the Inspector-General of Police, RULAAC said Private Estate International West Africa Limited which erected the gate, has been locked in a dispute with the communities. It called for immediate government intervention to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
According to the organization, tension in the area worsened following a proposed mandatory registration through the privately managed Venco App as a condition for public access through the M-Trans Access Point, popularly known as the Centenary Gate, linking the Amechi and Obeagu communities.
RULAAC said while private estate managers may adopt reasonable security measures within their estates, no private entity has the legal authority to impose access restrictions on what serves as a public road or compel members of the public to register on a private digital platform as a condition for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of movement.
The group, in the statement signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, warned that the land dispute has already been linked to serious allegations of violent attacks and multiple killings.
Among the cases cited is the December 2021 murder of Inspector Celestine Oriodovwe of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Enugu Annex, who was reportedly investigating petitions relating to the disputed land. RULAAC also referenced the killing of Mr. Onyedika Chukwu Ede during a violent confrontation in October 2025, as well as other reported homicides connected to the crisis.
RULAAC expressed concern that although information made available by affected communities indicates that investigations into some of the killings have been concluded and suspects allegedly identified, prosecution is yet to commence.
“The continued delay in prosecuting serious homicide cases not only denies justice to victims and their families but also undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system,” the organization said.
It stressed that murder allegations must not be overshadowed by civil disputes over land ownership and urged law enforcement authorities to ensure criminal accountability is pursued impartially and without fear or favour.
RULAAC also called on the Inspector-General of Police to review allegations of abuse of police investigative processes, including claims of forum shopping and undue influence in investigations connected to the disputed land, noting that such allegations should be independently examined to preserve public confidence.
RULAAC appealed to Governor Mbah to direct an immediate investigation into the legal status of the M-Trans Access Point, suspend any attempt by private interests to restrict public access pending the outcome of such inquiry, and convene all relevant stakeholders for dialogue to peacefully resolve the dispute.
According to the group, the combination of unresolved land litigation, allegations of multiple killings, delayed prosecutions and emerging access restrictions has heightened tension in the affected communities.
“The warning signs are clear. The government must act now to prevent further violence. Justice for victims, respect for the rule of law, protection of constitutional rights, and peaceful resolution of disputes are essential to preventing another tragic loss of life,” RULAAC stated.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peaceful conflict resolution, accountability and respect for the Constitution, while urging all parties to refrain from violence and allow lawful institutions to resolve the dispute.
