Chaos in Anambra: Over 30 Tenants Rendered Homeless in Alleged Illegal Eviction and Demolition

 

 

Residents of a three-story building at No. 57 Atani Road, Iyiowa Odekpe, in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, have been thrown into the streets following what they describe as a forceful and unlawful eviction carried out by the property’s new owner.

The eviction, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, allegedly involved hired thugs who stormed the premises, forcibly removing tenants and leaving them stranded. The tenants, numbering no fewer than 30, lamented the destruction of their personal belongings and the demolition of the building despite their continued tenancy.

Speaking on behalf of the affected occupants, Pastor Anthony Ezue, alongside other tenants—Chibueze Ali, Nicodemus Nwafor, Mrs. Sussan Okani, and Chukwuemeka Nwankwo—expressed their outrage over the incident. They disclosed that despite having paid their rent in advance, they were abruptly thrown out without due process.

Tears and Despair as Tenants Watch Their Homes Demolished

Recounting the ordeal, Ezue described the eviction as both shocking and unlawful. “We were woken up around 4 a.m. by a gang of young men who invaded the building. They forcefully entered our apartments and demanded that we leave immediately, claiming that the property had been acquired by a new owner who had obtained a court judgment to evict us,” he said.

According to Ezue, the assailants not only ejected the tenants but also looted valuable household items, including electrical appliances. “We had no time to gather our belongings. Some of us have lived here for over 10 years and have never had issues with the previous landlord. We pleaded with the new owner for reasonable notice, but he refused,” he added.

Despite their plea to remain in the building until the expiration of their current tenancy, the tenants said their requests were ignored. They revealed that in April 2024, the new landlord, Festus Nwanochie, through his attorneys—Chima Umensofor, Chikaodili Dimojiaku, Joseph Nwobodo, and Ifeanyi Okoye—ordered them to vacate. This was after they had already paid N85,000 each for forms, tenancy agreements, and other charges imposed by the landlord.

However, on January 3, 2025, another notice to quit was issued, with a stern warning that failure to comply by January 31 would result in the demolition of the building. True to the threat, the landlord began tearing down the structure on February 1.

Tenants Seek Justice, Drag Landlord to Court

Determined to fight back, the aggrieved tenants filed a legal suit at the Atani Magistrate Court, seeking an interlocutory injunction to restrain the landlord and his agents from evicting them until the expiration of their tenancy. The case, registered as Motion No. MGB/13/2025, was filed by their legal counsel, Monday Onwe.

In their petition, the tenants requested the court to declare their eviction unlawful and to order the landlord to compensate them for damages. They further demanded an injunction preventing further demolition and a payment of N500,000 as the cost of the suit.

The plaintiffs also called on relevant authorities, including Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to intervene, claiming that their collective losses, in terms of looted and destroyed properties, amounted to over N100 million.

Landlord’s Legal Team Remains Silent as Case Progresses

When contacted for a response, the landlord’s leading counsel, Chima Umensofor, declined to comment, citing the ongoing court case. “Since the matter is before the court, it would be inappropriate to discuss it,” he stated briefly.

Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned to May 9 for a hearing at the Atani Chief Magistrate Court, where the embattled tenants hope to find justice.

For now, the displaced residents remain in anguish, with many unsure of where to turn next. Their hope rests on the judiciary’s intervention, as they struggle to recover from a sudden loss of shelter and property.