By Sunday Apah
The Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has raised concerns over a scheme allegedly orchestrated by powerful individuals in Asaba, Delta State, aimed at unlawfully dispossessing Hajia Halima, a female landowner, of her property.
The organization is urging Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun to take immediate action to ensure justice in this matter.
The CDHR noted that, due to the influential connections of those involved, a case that should have remained within the jurisdiction of the Delta State Command has been moved to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The organization has requested the IGP to return the inquiry to the original local unit for proper handling.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade (Dr) Kehinde Prince Taiga, CDHR highlighted an alarming trend of land seizures using the authority of security agencies in Delta State and beyond.
The group asserted that it is crucial to address these injustices in the interest of the community.
Referencing multiple petitions submitted by Hajia Halima’s legal representatives, CDHR indicated that efforts to remove her from her property are ongoing, despite substantial evidence proving her ownership.
A notable instance cited involved the law firm OG Nwachukwu & Co., which, in a letter dated October 2, 2024, confirmed Hajia Halima’s legal purchase of land from Amachai Community, Delta State.
The statement revealed that after acquiring the property, Hajia Halima fulfilled all communal obligations, fenced the land, and constructed various facilities, including security structures and agricultural ponds.
However, on September 20, 2024, she received alarming news from her security guard that individuals had forcibly entered her property with bulldozers and were demolishing her structures, allegedly with police presence complicating the situation.
Taiga also referred to a protest by AL-JABBAAR & ASSOCIATES, representing Hajia Halima, which accused certain individuals of contempt of court and threatening her safety.
Alarmingly, it was revealed that one Amaechi Joseph Ayalogu, alongside CSP Ben Ayalogu, a member of the police force, had conspired to transfer the case to Abuja to hinder local proceedings.
In conclusion, CDHR is calling on IGP Egbetokun to facilitate a return of the case to Delta State and instruct the local police to conduct a comprehensive investigation before initiating court proceedings.
This approach would allow all parties to present their ownership documentation for fair adjudication in a competent court.
