Enugu, Nigeria – September 14, 2024
The ongoing trespass on the land belonging to prominent Nigerian engineer, Professor Bart Nnaji, NNOM, CON, FAS, by a group of squatters in the Onuogba Nike community of Enugu East Local Government Area has taken a dramatic turn, as recent allegations of land grabbing have been exposed as false. The squatters, who organized a press conference on September 12, 2024, accusing Nnaji of seizing their ancestral land, have been refuted by both legal documents and community leaders familiar with the long-running dispute.
Despite the inflammatory claims made by the squatters, several media outlets declined to publish their account after recognizing the contradictions and legal inaccuracies in their statements. Those who did carry the story failed to seek out Professor Nnaji for his side of the matter, in clear violation of journalistic standards.
“The facts are simple and clear: the land belongs to Professor Nnaji,” stated Chijioke Ogbodo, a media representative for Nnaji. “This land was lawfully purchased in 2005 from the late Chief Hyacinth Alinta, the original holder of the Certificate of Occupancy, and Professor Nnaji has every right to develop it. The squatters’ claim that this land is their ancestral home is completely false.”
According to Ogbodo, the squatters, originally from Ezza Nkomoro in Ebonyi State, migrated to Onuogba Nike long after the land was acquired by Nnaji. “They are the ones who have been illegally occupying the land for years, refusing to leave despite multiple court rulings that have affirmed Nnaji’s ownership,” he said.
Court documents confirm that the land in question has been the subject of legal proceedings dating back to the time of the previous owner, Chief Alinta. The dispute culminated in a January 2013 judgment that reaffirmed Nnaji’s rights to the property, following years of squatting by the Ezza settlers.
Humanitarian Intervention by Bishop Onaga
Despite his legal victory, Professor Nnaji held off on evicting the squatters due to the intervention of the Catholic Bishop of the Enugu Diocese, The Most Reverend Dr. Callistus Onaga. Ogbodo explained that Bishop Onaga had urged Nnaji to show compassion and allow the squatters to either purchase the land at a reduced price or leave peacefully.
“In 2013, after the court ruling, Professor Nnaji paused his plans and waited for the squatters to make their decision,” Ogbodo explained. “But for over 11 years, they did nothing. They didn’t take up the offer to buy the land, nor did they leave. Instead, they resorted to threats and violence.”
Efforts to mediate the situation took a tragic turn in 2023 when a community member, Mr. Sunday Ozoemena, was murdered. Ozoemena had been contracted to build a perimeter fence around the land and had been urging his kinsmen to stop opposing Nnaji’s ownership. “His death was a wake-up call to everyone,” said Ogbodo. “The violence had gone too far, but still, Professor Nnaji remained patient.”
Bishop Onaga intervened again in 2024, offering the squatters another chance to buy the land. “They were given until August 10, 2024, to register their interest through the Parish Priest in Onuogba, but again, no one came forward,” Ogbodo disclosed. “Professor Nnaji even offered financial support of up to ₦1 million for any squatter who needed assistance relocating, but this was also ignored.”
Unsubstantiated Claims and Legal Defeat
The squatters have continued to insist that the land is theirs, despite lacking any documentation to support their claims. “They don’t have a single legal document,” Ogbodo stressed. “The courts ruled on this matter over a decade ago, and the squatters lost.”
The claims made during the September 12 press conference have been met with skepticism by many who are familiar with the situation. “The truth is, some of the squatters have been defrauded by their own people,” Ogbodo revealed. “Some community members have been illegally selling parcels of the land to unsuspecting individuals, and now they’re trying to cover up their tracks by attacking Professor Nnaji.”
Community sources confirm that the press conference and subsequent media campaign were organized by individuals who have been profiting from these illegal sales. “They’re trying to shift the blame and distract from their own wrongdoing,” said a key figure in Onuogba Nike, who asked to remain anonymous. “But the facts don’t lie. This land belongs to Professor Nnaji, and he has been more than fair in dealing with the situation.”
Moving Forward
With the squatters refusing to take any of the numerous offers extended to them, Professor Nnaji has now moved to reclaim his land and continue with his development plans. “There must be a limit to impunity,” Ogbodo remarked. “After over 11 years of waiting for the squatters to do the right thing, Professor Nnaji has no choice but to take back what is rightfully his.”
Despite the media campaign against him, Nnaji remains committed to developing the land for the benefit of Enugu State. His plans for an auto parts manufacturing plant and independent power project have been on hold due to the ongoing dispute.
“This land was purchased for the development of the state, and it will benefit many people once the project is complete,” Ogbodo concluded. “The lies and threats cannot stop progress.”
Community leaders and legal experts have called on the squatters to cease their campaign of misinformation and accept the reality of the situation. Bishop Onaga, whose efforts to mediate the dispute have spanned over a decade, is said to remain hopeful for a peaceful resolution, although time may be running out for the squatters.
The Parish Priest in Onuogba Nike, who has been closely involved in the negotiations, is available to verify the facts, further solidifying the case for Professor Nnaji’s ownership.
As the legal dust settles, one thing remains clear: the law is on Nnaji’s side, and after years of patience and goodwill, he is ready to move forward. GMTNewsng