Tension As IGP Orders Prosecution of Udenu LGA Boss Over Alleged Property Destruction

Our Reporter 

The Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Aka Eze Aka, is facing allegations of conspiracy, threats of violence, malicious damage, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace following a dispute with residents of Obollo-Affor community.

The matter, which has drawn the attention of the police authorities, was reportedly brought before the Enugu State Police Command by aggrieved members of the community.

A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) conducted an investigation into the allegations and established a case against the council boss.

However, the officer in charge of the legal department (O’C Legal), said to be an associate of the chairman, reportedly dismissed the issue as a civil matter involving property revocation rather than a criminal offence. 

The source noted that the chairman had earlier denied any interest in the disputed land.

Dissatisfied with the development, members of the community escalated the matter to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), prompting a review by the Force’s Directorate of Legal Services.

Following its appraisal, the Directorate reportedly recommended the criminal prosecution of the chairman alongside other alleged culprits, including members of the Neighbourhood Watch.

The recommendation, however, allows for the possibility of resolving the dispute through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) if all parties agree.

Despite the legal developments, the chairman has allegedly continued to dismiss the case, reportedly boasting that he has strong backing within the State Ministry of Justice and the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), suggesting that no action would be taken against him.

According to reports, the controversy stems from an incident in which the chairman, accompanied by Neighbourhood Watch personnel, allegedly stormed a trading complex in Obollo-Affor and demolished several shops, destroying goods and property.

The action was said to have been carried out under the pretext of clearing criminal elements from the area.

However, community members have strongly refuted claims that the area harboured hoodlums, alleging instead that the demolition was a calculated attempt to take over the land.

When contacted, a community leader, Prince M. O. Agu, confirmed awareness of the incident but declined to comment in detail. 

He, however, indicated that efforts were ongoing to explore an amicable resolution through ADR, contingent on the cooperation of the council chairman and other parties involved.

Attempts to reach Aka Eze Aka for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report, with his phone lines reportedly unreachable.

The case continues to generate tension within the community as residents await further action from law enforcement authorities.