A fresh controversy has erupted over a high-stakes Enugu land dispute, with elder statesman forcefully denying allegations that his wife, , ordered the demolition of a property belonging to .
The land dispute intensified after Ogbuanu accused Mrs. Nwobodo of masterminding the demolition of his building under construction at Patson Estate in Independence Layout, Enugu. However, Nwobodo dismissed the claim and described the accusations as misleading.
In his response to the development, Nwobodo instead accused the pastor of criminal conduct, alleging that his actions pose a threat to other residents within the estate.
According to Nwobodo, the dispute stems from a long-running ownership crisis involving land he acquired in 1976 under Linkana Hotels. He claimed that portions of the land were illegally sold during his time in office.
Efforts to reclaim the property at the center of the dispute were allegedly resisted by Ogbuanu and his associate, , whom he accused of attempting to appropriate sections of the estate.
The situation worsened when Ogbuanu allegedly proceeded with unauthorized construction despite warnings and unresolved certification issues tied to government land regulations.
Tensions further escalated on January 16 (yesterday), 2026, when Mrs. Nwobodo, accompanied by professionals and a police officer, visited the estate and was allegedly detained by a group of men.
Nwobodo claimed the incident marked a dangerous turn in the deteriorating land dispute, with reports of assault on a police officer and threats to life before security operatives intervened.
In another twist in the Enugu land dispute, Nwobodo alleged that Ogbuanu attempted to flee Enugu but was apprehended and charged with kidnapping, illegal construction, and related offences.
The former governor said the Enugu land dispute has created fear among property owners, accusing the pastor of harboring criminal elements and disregarding lawful directives.
Nwobodo firmly rejected allegations against his wife, maintaining that her role in the Enugu land dispute was lawful and well-intentioned.
“I’m at a loss as to why Basil Ogbuanu would implicate my wife in this Enugu land dispute,” he said, insisting she acted in good faith.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of Ogbuanu on the land dispute were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Ogbuanu has since been arraigned and granted bail, with the dispute now heading for a prolonged legal battle.
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