Emma Elekwa
A prominent community leader, Chief Kenneth Ezekwesili of Umuike village, Awka, Anambra state has petitioned Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over alleged interference by police officers in a protracted land dispute dating back to 1974.
The petition, released in Awka on Tuesday, accused a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and one Monday Umunna, a police officer attached to the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), of acting in ways that undermine ongoing judicial processes in the disputed Obuagu land, also known as “Egbeana-Obibia Land.”
Ezekwesili stated that the dispute is between Obuagu Awka and Umuomamu Ifite Nibo communities, with Umuike, Umuoruka and Umujagwo villages in Awka laying claim to the land as original owners.
According to him, the matter has been litigated across multiple courts, with judgments delivered in favour of his community at both the High Court in Awka and the Court of Appeal in Enugu.
He added that the case is presently pending before the Supreme Court.
Citing specific rulings, the petitioner referenced Suit No. AA/57/1974 at the High Court, Awka, presided over by Justice J.C.O. Emekwue, and Appeal No. CA/E/16/2008 at the Court of Appeal, Enugu, where the appellate court upheld the lower court’s decision.
Sustained interference
Despite these rulings, Ezekwesili alleged that police officers have continued to intervene in the matter, allegedly siding with opposing parties and frustrating lawful activities on the land.
He claimed that, acting on court orders permitting his community to access and develop the land, he visited the area in February 2026 but was arrested by one Monday and taken before a DCP, who allegedly warned him against returning to the land under threat of further arrest and detention.
The petitioner further alleged that he was compelled to secure his release on bail for ₦300,000 following the first arrest.
“Subsequent visits to the land resulted in additional arrests, culminating in his arraignment before a Magistrate Court in Awka in Suit No. MAW/43C/2026, Commissioner of Police vs. Kenneth Afamefuna Ezekwesili & 9 Others, a case which he said remains pending,” he added.
Ezekwesili maintained that he had been arrested three times in connection with the dispute.
He alleged that the actions of the police officers were aimed at intimidating him and undermining favourable court judgments already secured by his community.
“The officers justified the arrests using the claim of “conduct likely to cause communal war,” a pretext to interfere in a civil land matter,” he further alleged.
Connivance also alleged
The petitioner accused the DCP and the officer Monday of acting “in concert” and benefiting financially from their involvement.
He further alleged that portions of the disputed land had been sold while litigation was ongoing.
He expressed concern that land disputes in Anambra State had become avenues for illicit enrichment by vested interests.
Ezekwesili warned that continued interference by law enforcement could erode public confidence in the justice system.
Ezekwesili urged the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the conduct of the officers involved and ensure that the police refrain from intervening in matters already before competent courts.
He insisted that the rule of law must prevail, calling for protection of his rights and those of his community to peacefully utilise the land in line with subsisting court judgments.
State Police Command is yet to issue an official response to the allegations as of press time.
