RULAAC writes Imo Governor Uzodimma over repeated targeted demolitions of Inyama’s property
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, over the actions of state officials in the repeated demolitions of a property owned by Mr. Sampson Okwudire Inyama, a resident of the state.
In a letter dated April 1, the civil society organisation notified the governor that the property had been demolished three times under different guises, without any form of prior communication to the owner.
According to the letter, years after the property was legally acquired, individuals claiming to act on the authority of the Imo State Government invaded the area and demolished Mr. Inyama’s fence and other surrounding structures without prior notice or explanation.
Upon investigation, he discovered that the demolition was carried out under the authority of the Imo State Housing Authority. Officials later reportedly demanded money and advised him to rebuild the fence and structures on the land to prove possession, which he reportedly did.
The letter stated that another demolition occurred in February this year, destroying the fence of Mr. Inyama’s property but sparing the building. He was later told the government action was based on security concerns, as criminals could be using uncompleted structures as hideouts. He was advised to hurriedly complete the development of the property.
While Inyama was still grappling with the losses incurred, bulldozers returned for the third time, demolishing all structures on the land — including buildings and those of neighbouring property owners — without notice, consultation, or compensation.
The CSO said it is worried that a certain Mr. Chinasa is allegedly behind the demolitions in an effort to grab the land for himself and others with connections to the government.
Here’s the full letter below:
AN APPEAL TO YOUR EXCELLENCY TO CALL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS INVOLVED IN LAND GRABBING TO ORDER, HOLD THEM TO ACCOUNT, AND RESTORE JUSTICE TO VICTIMS
I write to draw your urgent attention to a deeply troubling case that underscores growing concerns about land grabbing, abuse of power, and disregard for the rights of citizens in Imo State.
This case, involving Mr. Sampson Okwudire Inyama, is not just an individual grievance — it reflects a disturbing pattern that threatens public trust in governance and the rule of law.
Many years ago, Sampson Okwudire Inyama lawfully acquired a parcel of land at Avu with the assistance of the late Chief Magistrate V. V. M. Njoku. All due processes were duly followed: the landowners, including Avu youths, were compensated in accordance with their demands, and all necessary legal documentation was properly processed. He took possession of the land, fenced it, and secured it with a gate.
However, a few years later, individuals claiming to act on the authority of the Imo State Government invaded the area and demolished his fence and other surrounding structures without prior notice or explanation.
Concerned, he instructed his lawyer, Barrister Leweanya, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the demolition. Findings indicated that the action was carried out under the authority of the Imo State Housing Authority. Subsequent engagements with officials reportedly led to demands for payments, which were made. Following this, he was advised to retake possession, which he did by constructing a building and re-fencing the property.
In February this year, another demolition exercise was carried out — again destroying the fence, though sparing the building. At that time, he was informed that the government required property owners in the area to develop their land, citing security concerns, including allegations that criminals were using the area as a hideout.
Acting in compliance, he resumed development. Yet, in a shocking and unjustifiable turn of events, all structures on the land — including buildings and those of neighbouring property owners — were recently demolished without notice, consultation, or compensation.
Your Excellency, these actions raise serious and urgent questions:
*Why are such demolitions carried out without regard to the severe economic losses inflicted on citizens?
*Why are affected property owners not formally notified or engaged before these actions are taken?
*Why would government agencies approve developments, collect payments, and later demolish the same structures?
*If the government has an interest in the land, why has there been no lawful acquisition process or compensation?
*Why is there a lack of transparency and official communication with affected individuals?
*Do these actions not amount to a violation of constitutional rights to property and due process?
*What remedies are available to citizens subjected to such arbitrary actions?
Disturbingly, there are allegations implicating certain individuals, including one Chinasa, in connection with these demolitions, with suggestions that such actions may be part of a broader pattern of land grabbing involving persons linked to Government House. These allegations, if proven, represent a grave abuse of power and a serious breach of public trust.
Your Excellency, the Constitution guarantees the right to property and protection from arbitrary deprivation. Government must act within the bounds of law, guided by due process, transparency, and accountability — not force and impunity.
In light of the foregoing, I respectfully urge you to:
1. Order an immediate and independent investigation into these demolitions.
2. Identify and hold accountable any officials involved in unlawful actions.
3. Halt any further interference with the affected properties.
4. Ensure prompt and adequate compensation for victims.
5. Reaffirm your administration’s commitment to justice, rule of law, and protection of citizens’ rights.
This matter goes beyond one individual — it speaks to the safety of property rights, investor confidence, and the credibility of governance in Imo State.
Your decisive intervention is urgently needed to restore justice and public confidence.
Yours sincerely,
Okechukwu Nwanguma
Executive Director
Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC)
