Residents and property owners in the Committee on Resettlement and Development (CRD) layout in Lugbe, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are appealing to Minister Nyesom Wike for intervention against alleged intimidation and harassment by developer Paul Odili.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Raphael Igu, a resident and judge of the customary court grade A in the Gwagwalada area council of Abuja, alleged that Odili has been issuing demolition notices and using thugs to harass them. The residents have lived peacefully in the community since its creation in 1996 until Odili claimed in 2007 that the federal government allocated 474 hectares of their land to him.
“Since that time, we have not had any peace, no rest of mind. He comes here with thugs and criminals to harass us,” said Igu.
In 2011, some residents took Odili to court and won a favorable judgment. However, despite court rulings, Odili continues his harassment and has appealed to the Supreme Court. Last week, he allegedly mobilized thugs to demolish houses and fences, despite the ongoing court case.
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Another resident, Ifeoma Amos, said the developer’s agents removed the roofing, fence, and gate of her property, covering it with sand to conceal the damage. Mustapha Wasiu, chairman of the CRD residents association, stated that several attempts to resolve the issue amicably have failed.
“We have reported this to Lugbe police station and even wrote an official ‘save our soul’ letter. Despite being in the capital city with high-ranking security officials, an individual is taking the law into his own hands,” said Wasiu.
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The chairman called on President Bola Tinubu and the FCT minister to intervene, highlighting the destruction of over N150 million to N200 million worth of property.