The Chairman,
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC),
Plot BF/1 Area E, off 4040 Roundabout
Opposite Index Filling Station New owerri,
Imo State
Dear Sir,
We, the coalition of Imo State Journalists, write to bring to your attention a case of corrupt practices in desperation to grab Ihu Elu Umuezuo ancestral land Naze Owerri North LGA of Imo State championed by
Maribas Consultant in conspiracy with Imo State Commissioner for Tourism Hospitality and Culture,Rt. Hon. Barr. Ernest Ibejiako, in Naze Industrial Layout, Owerri, Imo State. This is an ancestral land that has not been legally or duly acquired by any Past or present in Imo state.
Initially Ibejiako told the indigenous people Umuezuo that government has acquired the land and presented Maribas as a developer who will build industrial offices there but finding shows signs of falsehood. Initially when Ibejiako was at the ministry of Industry, he said the Parcel of land is for Abattoir but Abbattoir has been built, the same Abbottoir belongs to ministry of livestock,not Ministry of Industry as claimed by him
When the people demanded valid documents Ibejiako ignored it and proceeded to invade the ancestral land of over 40 plots, destroying economic crops,people's fences and disappeared with the gate.
Shortly after some months, the same Maribas who claimed Government has acquired the place and compensation duly paid came and purportedly paid some people he lured to his camp money.
The intimidation, threats and molestation of residents in order to have his way and parcelate their land for sales to individuals is height of corrupt activities
From available reports despite Ibejiako's actions, the people of Umuezuo Naze remains determined to protect their land, identity and heritage because is the only land left for them for population explosion.
Recall that Commissioner Ibejiako was of Ministry of Industry,Mines and Solid Minerals before he was redeployed to the ministry of Tourism, Hospitality and Culture by the Imo State Governor,Senator Hope Uzodimma, after a strong worded open letter to him and Imo CP, Aboki Danjuma on allegations of Land grabbing on this same Uhu Elu Ancestral Land.
The community has vowed to seek justice and are legal options to resolve the dispute. The community has also expresses faith in ICPC to intervention and put an end to corrupt practices championed by Maribas in conspiracy with Ibejiako and Eugene Onyekwere (aka Professor)
From allegations in public domain he allegedly paid
Nzeh Raphael Akujuobi, the Chairman of Akagu na Lolo Family Association, Umuezuo Naze as compensation.This is the same Maribas that told the people that government acquired the area during Mbakwe administration.
If government has acquired it during the era of Mbakwe and everything duly paid, why should Maribas in alleged conspiracy with Hon. Ibejiako, pay another compensation, Government does not pay land compensation two times.
The media community in Imo State is calling on ICPC to investigate the bank Account of Maribas in the past 365days in respect to Commissioner Ibejiako, Eugene and the commander of Mopol 19 Base Owerri were he moblises police he uses to intimidate and harass people. There is also need investigate, money he is showering on some people to lure them over to his side, particularly but not limited to the Traditional Ruler of the Community, HRH Eze Francis Ogbnnaya Ugorji, It is high time to check Maribas corrupt activities and take necessary action before is too late.
Please use your office to investigate the financial transactions of Maribas to imo state Hon.Commissiner For Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, Nzeh Akujuobi, Eugene Onyekwere his contact person in the dirty deal of alleged land grabbing.
Kindly investigate them, what they say and do at the site are on a parallel line.It is obvious that government does not pay compensation two times.This same Maribas in conspiracy with Hon.Ibejiakor, invaded the Land destroying crops,fences and gates, with impunity. If government is truly involved as Maribas claimed, government should first settle all first before entering the land.
Maribas has allegedly used positions of influence to allegedly manipulate and champion desperate grabbing of Uhu Elu Umuezuo Naze, depriving rightful owners of their properties.They storm the community with alleged fake information that Imo State Government has acquired the land and compensation paid during the era of Imo State First Civilian Governor Late Sam Mbakwe, an information believed to be fake due to lack of documents to back up claim of Land acquisition during the era of Mbakwe. Secondly, the approach of Maribas lack due process in such matter.
Reports indicate that the accused individuals have been involved in a series of questionable activities, including forgery, intimidation, and extortion, in relation to Uhu elu ancestral.
There is a prove of POS payment of 200,000 made to Eugene Onyekwere, to allow a woman he invaded her property to reclaim possession of the land, after financial gratificaton. Others are willing to provide more evidence in due time.
Documents obtained by our organization reveal that the Naze Community has been subjected to harassment, threats, and violence by the accused and their agents.
We urge ICPC to investigate these allegations and prosecute those involved in this scandal.
The people of Imo State demand justice and accountability. We believe that no one is above the law, and those found guilty must face the consequences of their actions.
We request that ICPC takes immediate action to freeze the assets and bank accounts of the accused to prevent further financial impropriety.
The Naze Community has been plagued by land grabbing and corruption for too long. It's time for ICPC to take decisive action.
We appeal to ICPC to work with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of witnesses and the community.
The accused have allegedly used their wealth and influence to intimidate and silence their victims. ICPC must ensure that justice is served.
We demand transparency and accountability in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
The people of Imo State are watching, and we expect ICPC to deliver justice.
We urge ICPC to expedite this case and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The rule of law must be upheld, and those who engage in corruption and land grabbing must be held accountable.
We await ICPC's prompt action on this matter.
Sincerely,
High Chief Emeka Opara
CC:
- The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
- The Senate President, National Assembly
- The Speaker, House of Representatives
- The Governor, Imo State
- The Chief Judge, Imo State
- The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
- The Director-General, State Security Service (DSS
)