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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Founder of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has accused government agents of demolishing his property in New Owerri, Area G, after he refused to pay additional levies, he described as illegal.
Uwazuruike said the building, which is nearing completion, was partly demolished on Wednesday by a man he identified as Mr. Nwankama “DumDum”, whom he alleged initially demanded N7 million to allow work to continue, claiming he was sent by Chinasa Nwaneri.
Uwazuruike claimed that he paid N7 million, but Nwankama later returned demanding ₦10 million allegedly on Nwaneri’s instruction.
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“When I told him I will not give him anything again, he came here today and demolished my building,” Uwazuruike said. “Am I not an Igbo man again? Don’t I have the right to own property again in my state? What have I done to deserve this, I have the C of O of this property and the master plan?”
In a twist, Chinasa Nwaneri has denied sending anyone to collect money from Uwazuruike or authorising the demolition. He has, instead, directed Uwazuruike to formally petition those who collected the money within seven days, warning that the building could be pulled down entirely if he failed to do so.
Meanwhile, Uwazuruike has now written to Nwankama, demanding a refund of the N7 million already paid. In the letter titled “Refund of Seven Million Naira”, he stated: “I, hereby, demand the refund of seven million naira which you collected from me on behalf of Mr. Chinasa Nwaneri. Chinasa Nwaneri has denied the receipt of the said seven million naira. If you fail to refund the said seven million naira within the next forty-eight hours, I will take legal action against you.”
As of press time, there was no public response from Nwankama “DumDum”. The Imo State government and relevant authorities were yet to issue a statement on the demolition. The incident has sparked reactions over property rights and alleged extortion linked to development projects in Owerri.
