Investor cries out over cyberbullying, unlawful detention in escalating land row

An Anambra-born investor has raised the alarm over alleged cyberbullying, unlawful detention, and intimidation linked to a disputed parcel of land in Urum Community, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Okechukwu Kingsley, Chief Executive Officer of Nwaguatahiha Property and Home Limited, whose company acquired the land, claims unidentified individuals have repeatedly blocked access to the property, while coordinated online campaigns have sought to tarnish his reputation.

The escalating conflict has prompted calls for urgent intervention by Olatunji Disu to restore order and protect legitimate investments.

Kingsley said the dispute began after his firm completed documentation for the land purchase and mobilised workers to commence development months later.

However, he alleged that Felix Godwin, who claims to be the President-General of Urum Community, orchestrated acts of intimidation against his company.

He said Godwin repeatedly prevented his workers from accessing the site, insisting that those obstructing the project were not members of the community.

Kingsley added that the dispute has triggered reputational damage, as online reports labelled him a fraudster, affecting both his real estate and automobile businesses.

“Subscribers are asking for refunds because they read online that I am a fraudster. Our car business and property sales have been affected,” he said.

He urged government authorities at all levels to protect legitimate investments and create a secure environment for investors.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Kingsley alleged that the community leader mobilised over 200 individuals, including members of the Anambra Vigilante Group, who detained some families for three days under inhumane conditions following disagreements over land ownership.

He explained that tensions escalated after his company initiated steps to formalise ownership by applying for a Certificate of Occupancy from the Anambra State Ministry of Lands.

Ministry officials had visited the site on January 8 to verify the land’s status, but conflicts intensified after their departure.

Kingsley further claimed that some families asserting ownership of the land were subsequently arrested by vigilante members and allegedly taken to a shrine, where they were warned against further discussions about the property.

The developer also reiterated concerns over a coordinated campaign of cyberbullying against him and his company, which he said has severely impacted his reputation built over 26 years.

“I need justice. My name has been dragged on social media and I have been labelled a criminal.

“Some families have fled the community out of fear,” he said, urging the IGP to establish a high-powered investigative committee, including the Anambra State Commissioner of Police and the Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the zone, to probe the allegations.

Salihu Mahmud, Security expert and Director of Security Solute Nigeria Institute, weighed in, urging the Nigeria Police Force to treat the case with urgency.

Mahmud noted that while land disputes are often considered civil matters, they frequently escalate into security threats involving violence and abuse of power.

He alleged that some police operatives have, in certain cases, been complicit through internal conspiracies and misuse of specialised units.

He recommended that the Anambra State Police Command handle the case, while the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre investigate claims of online harassment.

He also called for authorities to probe allegations of illegal possession of firearms reportedly used during the conflict.

“If anybody is found possessing prohibited weapons such as AK-47 rifles, that is a serious offence and must be addressed,” Mahmud said.

Raymond Okafor, a Crown Prince of Urum Community, questioned the alleged involvement of vigilante operatives, noting such groups are normally regulated under traditional authority supervision.

Similarly, John Arinze, a traditional prime minister in the community, alongside Chibueze Onuorah of the Igwekanma family, said the situation has created an atmosphere of fear.

Arinze disclosed that he no longer feels safe sleeping in the community and called for urgent intervention.

Ugochukwu Rejoice, Manager of Nwaguatahiha Property and Home Limited, said the ongoing dispute and social media attacks have begun to erode client confidence in the company.

Several clients have raised concerns over the integrity of the firm following attacks on its chief executive.

The affected parties collectively appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, restore order, and ensure justice for all sides involved.