- The Okwesi family in Anambra State has appealed to the IGP for intervention against intimidation and land-grabbing by powerful individuals
- Family members allege unlawful arrests and threats from the CEO of Pineleaf Estate, who is trying to seize their ancestral land
The Okwesi family in Akwuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to intervene in what they describe as a case of intimidation and land-grabbing by powerful individuals.
Speaking to Daily Trust, Charles Okwesi, chairman of the family, alleged that the CEO of Pineleaf Estate, Bishop Dr. Onyeka Nzekwesi, unlawfully arrested them on their ancestral land using the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).
“They are using their wealth to take our land by force,” Okwesi said. “The land at Nkpan Akwuzu belongs to our forefathers. While others still have their land in the area, ours is the largest, and they want to seize it.”
According to Okwesi, the conflict began when certain individuals sold the Okwesi family’s land to Pineleaf Estate without proper verification. When the estate owner realized the sale was invalid, he allegedly pressured the family to sell, but they refused due to ongoing negotiations with another buyer.
“He told us they would take the land whether we agreed or not,” Okwesi claimed. “They started trespassing, even using bulldozers to clear the land. Last week, while we were there, they brought a truckload of RRS officers, accusing us of being kidnappers and unknown gunmen. Six of my brothers were arrested, beaten, and detained without bail. We are not criminals; we are victims of powerful individuals using their wealth to oppress us.”
Okwesi further alleged that the estate owner threatened to use his connections to take the land and silence the family.
Efforts to get a comment from Nzekwesi’s camp proved difficult. His assistant, Gbulieaku Onye Ukpo, dismissed inquiries, saying, “What’s your business in land matters? Don’t push me to the wall,” abruptly ending the call.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Anambra State Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, denied police involvement in land disputes, stating, “If the matter is criminal, the police can investigate it.” Attempts to contact Mr. Ibuuru Ifeanyi, the officer in charge of Akwuzu RRS, were unsuccessful.
The Okwesi family continues to appeal for justice, urging authorities to investigate the situation and prevent further intimidation.