News

Enugu Assembly averts land grabbing, directs Housing Cooperation to return land to original owner

Published

4 years ago

July 18, 2021

Bona Naija

The Enugu State House of Assembly has directed Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, to return a parcel of land at Golf Course Layout, Phase II, GRA to its rightful owner with immediate effect.

The directive of the House follows the report of the House Committee on Works, Housing and Urban Development after studying the petition of one Dr. Okezie Maduagwu.

According to the report sighted by to our correspondent, the petitioner, Dr. Maduagwu accused Enugu State Housing Development Corporation of attempting to collect his land after failing to approve his building plan, revoking his ownership of the land and finally claiming the land doesn’t exist.

In his petition to the legislators, Dr. Maduagwu stated as follows:

“That he acquired the said parcel of land H/185A Golf Course Layout, Phase II, GRA on 20th August, 2003.

“That in 2008, the Corporation formally executed a deed of sublease in his favour for the plot and it was registered as No. 62 at page 62 in volume 1601 of the Land Registry, Enugu.

“That he regularly paid all the prescribed fees as periodically reviewed.

“That on 8th May, 2012 he submitted four (4) copies of building plan for boys-quarters and fencing to the Corporation for approval to enable him commence development of the said plot of land but to his greatest surprise, the corporation failed to response to his request even up till date.

“That after he waited for their response and to no avail, he then engaged the services of a legal practitioner, G.O. Nwokeiwu Esq. who on 4th May, 2013 represented fresh copies of the said proposed boys quarters and fence building plan to the Corporation for approval and on 8th July, 2013 he also sent a reminder to the Corporation but they are yet to respond to the said letters or approve the building plan.

“That though the Corporation failed to approve his plan, they continued to demand for ground rents and service charges and he regularly paid all the fees as periodically reviewed.

“That on 11th May, 2015 the Corporation sent him a letter revoking the said land, however, on 5th June, 2015 the Corporation withdrew the purported letter or revocation claiming to have revoked in error.

“Surprisingly, on 9th June, 2015 the Corporation sent him a letter informing him that his land has been used in the course of redesigning the Estate and that, it no longer exists. He replied them on 27th July, 2015 that he recently visited the property and that it still exist. He further told them that he is ready to embark on joint inspection with them to ascertain the true position of the property. Based on his insistence that his land still exist the Corporation wrote him a letter dated 4th January, 2017 inviting him for joint inspection.

“That on 10th January, 2017, he went in company of Mr. Chukwuemelie Agu – General Manager of the Corporation and Mr. Chime Ikechukwu schedule officer Golf Estate Phase II on joint inspection of the land and it was discovered that the land still exist and undeveloped.

“That on 13th March, 2018 he conducted a search at the Corporation. The result of the search revealed that his property still exists and it was duly signed by one Mr. Val Neboh – Director Estate Services.

“That on 30th May, 2018 barely two weeks after he got the search report duly signed by Mr. Val Neboh Director Estate Services, he visited the property and saw some men fencing it purportedly for one Mr. Ben Alukwu and when he accosted them, they made a call and within a few minutes some fiercely looking young men came and chased him away.

“That recently the Corporation embarked on identification and numbering of all the plots at Gold Estate and plot No. H/185A is copiously pasted on the fence on his property thereby debunking the claim that his land no longer exist.

In response to the above, Esv Val O. Neboh and Arc H.A.B Odo said that in 2012 the Corporation acquired 28 plots of land now known as Golf Estate II and is situated behind Golf Estate I but them these 28 plots were land locked. Consequently, the Corporation used 90 – 95 percent of Dr. Okezie’s plot H/185A as access road into the newly acquired Estate. So according to them the plot no longer exist. However, in a quick reaction Dr. Okezie refuted their assertion and reiterated that his property H/185A is subsisting.

The General Manager Housing, in his own submission, concurred with Dr. Okezie’s statement that they went on joint inspection of the land in 2018 and that plot H/185A is still subsisting. In addition, he emphatically said that Ben Alukwu is yet to supply documentary evidence of the title over the land and there is no document at the Corporation to prove his ownership of the land.

Finally, he said that their Board met and recommended cancellation of Ben Alukwu’s assumed ownership of plot H/185A, however they did not re-allocate same to Dr. Okezie rather they resolved to give Dr. Okezie a plot of the same value and size in another Estate.

In the report which was signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Works Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze and other 14 members, the Lawmakers expressed disappointment with the resolution stressing that they could not “understand why the Corporation should not return same to Dr. Okezie who it has been established to be the rightful owner of the undeveloped plot of land.”

They (Lawmakers) went further to make the following resolutions:

“Directing the Corporation to ensure that every encumbrance on plot H/185A is abated forthwith to enable Dr. Okezie take possession and full occupation of the property since it has been established that Dr. Okezie has reasonable and legitimate claims over the said land, plot H/185A and the said plot is still available and empty.

“That the House by Resolution direct the Corporation to immediately & without further delay approve the building plan submitted by Dr. Okezie to enable him commence development of the plot.

“That the House urge the Enugu State Housing Corporation to strive to protect its integrity by ensuring transparency in all its operations.”

It was furthered gathered that the House accepted the report of the committee and their resolutions on the 12th of July, 2021.

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FBI Nabs Nigerians Christopher Falade, Son Emmanuel Over $2.2m Housing Fraud in U.S.

Published

1 hour ago

September 19, 2025

BONA NAIJA

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged two Nigerians, Christopher Falade, 62, and his son, Emmanuel Falade, 32, alongside six others, for their alleged roles in a $2.2 million housing stabilization fraud scheme in Minnesota.

The indictment, announced Thursday, according to PEOPLES GAZETTE accuses the defendants of defrauding the Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) Programme by inflating reimbursement claims and diverting funds meant to support vulnerable residents.

According to prosecutors, the Falades operated Faladcare Inc., a registered HSS provider tasked with offering housing consulting, transition, and support services. Instead, they allegedly created fraudulent claims for about 100 beneficiaries, siphoning program payments far above the value of services delivered.

“Over the course of years, the Falades and their conspirators created and submitted Program reimbursement claims that were inflated and fraudulent,” the DoJ stated. “By doing so, Faladcare received Program payments far exceeding the HSS services they had actually provided.”

Investigators allege that much of the fraud proceeds were distributed among their co-conspirators and Faladcare employees.

Others charged in the case include Moktar Hassan Aden (30), Mustafa Dayib Ali (29), Khalid Ahmed Dayib (26), Abdifitah Mohamud Mohamed (27), Asad Ahmed Adow (26), and Anwar Ahmed Adow (25).

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson described the charges as “the first wave” in an ongoing probe into widespread fraud draining Minnesota’s social programs.

“It feels never ending,” Mr Thompson said. “I have spent my career as a fraud prosecutor, and the depth of the fraud in Minnesota takes my breath away. The fraud must be stopped.”

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News

‘You’re Lucky’ – Wike Blasts Sowore Over Comment on Tinubu

Published

14 hours ago

September 19, 2025

Bona Naija

‘You’re Lucky’ – Wike Knocks Sowore for Calling Tinubu a Criminal

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized activist and politician Omoyele Sowore for labeling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal.”

Speaking on Thursday during the flag-off of the construction of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II, Abuja, Wike said Sowore was “lucky” that Tinubu respects the rule of law, warning that not all leaders would tolerate such remarks.

“You Are Lucky,” Wike Tells Sowore

According to Wike:

“This is a country where somebody will go on social media and say Mr. President is a criminal and nothing will happen.

No matter how you see people criticize Trump, have you ever seen any Nigerian citizen on social media or in public say our president is a criminal? Have you ever heard that?

You are lucky you have a president that believes in the rule of law.

You are lucky, continue to be lucky because there are those you will meet and you won’t be lucky again.”

‘You’re Lucky’ – Wike Knocks Sowore for Calling Tinubu a Criminalpic.twitter.com/Dc6UOzW48w
— BONA NAIJA (@BonaNaija) September 18, 2025

Wike Cites Nigeria’s Freedom of Speech

The minister argued that the ability of citizens to openly criticize Tinubu demonstrates the level of freedom in Nigeria compared to other countries, including the United States.

His comments come amid growing political tensions, with Sowore and other critics frequently attacking the administration over governance, economy, and democracy.

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Business

Nigerians React as Shoprite Shuts Down Stores in Ibadan, Ilorin, and Shelves Empty in Lagos, Abuja

Published

15 hours ago

September 18, 2025

BONA NAIJA

Nigerians React as Shoprite Shuts Down Stores in Ibadan, Ilorin, and Shelves Empty in Lagos, Abuja

Shoprite shuts down outlets in Ibadan and Ilorin as shelves go empty in Lagos and Abuja. Nigerians react to the retail giant’s struggles amid inflation and rising competition.

Shoprite’s Struggles in Nigeria Deepen

Shoprite’s operations in Nigeria appear to be in crisis, four years after the South African retail giant exited the supermarket business.

Reports by Daily Trust confirm that outlets in Ibadan and Ilorin have closed, while stores still operating in Lagos, Abuja, and other major cities now have largely empty shelves.

From Expansion to Decline

Since opening its first Nigerian outlet in Lagos in 2005, Shoprite became a household name, growing into more than 25 stores across eight states and the Federal Capital Territory. At its peak, the chain directly employed over 2,000 workers and supported hundreds of local suppliers, particularly farmers.

But rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and growing competition from local supermarkets have steadily weakened its dominance, pushing the brand into financial distress.

In 2021, Shoprite Holdings Limited sold its Nigerian business to local investors after retreating from several African markets including Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda—citing harsh operating conditions.

Nigerians React on Social Media

The closures have sparked a wave of reactions across social media, where Nigerians expressed a mix of nostalgia, disappointment, and calls for stronger homegrown supermarket chains.

On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags such as #ShopriteNigeria, #ShopriteClosure, and #NigerianRetail began trending:

“Shoprite shutting down is an end of an era. That place was our mini mall culture in the 2000s.” – @lagos_girl

“This should be a wake-up call. We need to support Nigerian-owned supermarkets like Justrite, Hubmart, and Ebeano.” – @naija_economist

“No more weekend hangouts at Shoprite. Sad, but not surprising with the way inflation is going.” – @femiwrites

“Shoprite was not just a supermarket, it was a social spot. I met my wife there in 2012. This hits different.” – @deji_lagos

“If Shoprite can’t survive here, it tells you everything about Nigeria’s business environment.” – @uchechukwu_onyi

What’s Next for Retail in Nigeria?

While many lament the decline of Shoprite, others see opportunity for local supermarkets to step into the gap. Brands like Justrite, Hubmart, Ebeano, and Spar could potentially take advantage of the vacuum.

With Shoprite’s uncertain future, the question remains: will Nigeria’s supermarket culture fade with its departure—or will indigenous brands reinvent it?

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News

Rivers Assembly Resumes After Six-Month Emergency Rule, Tasks Fubara on Commissioners and Budget

Published

21 hours ago

September 18, 2025

BONA NAIJA

Rivers Assembly Resumes After Emergency Rule, Tasks Fubara

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday reconvened for plenary, marking its first session since the expiration of the six-month state of emergency imposed by President Bola Tinubu.

The sitting, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, held at the legislative quarters in Port Harcourt, comes just a day after Tinubu lifted emergency rule at midnight on September 17.

The emergency had been declared on March 18, 2025, following a constitutional impasse between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Assembly that crippled governance.

Before resumption, the outgone state administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, officially handed over to Governor Fubara and, in his farewell address, urged Rivers people to support the reinstated governor.

At Thursday’s plenary, the House passed two key resolutions: calling on Governor Fubara to immediately forward a list of Commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation, and urging him to initiate the process of drafting an Appropriation Law for the remainder of the year.

Speaker Amaewhule stressed that these steps are vital for stabilising governance and ensuring effective service delivery. Lawmakers say the resolutions are aimed at normalising the state’s administration and addressing urgent citizen needs after months of political turbulence.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the suspension and reinstatement of Governor Fubara and the Assembly, describing Tinubu’s actions as “unconstitutional, illegal, and a clear sign of dictatorship.”

Governor Fubara is yet to respond publicly to the House’s resolutions.

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Business

Dangote Refinery Rejects DAPPMAN’s ₦1.5trn Subsidy Demand

Published

23 hours ago

September 18, 2025

BONA NAIJA

Dangote Refinery rejects DAPPMAN ₦1.505 trillion subsidy demand

Refinery insists it will not absorb logistics costs as marketers push for annual discount; warns subsidy practices defrauded Nigeria for years.

Dangote Refinery has dismissed claims by the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), insisting that it will not bow to pressure to fund a subsidy of more than ₦1.5 trillion annually.

In a statement issued yesterday, the refinery said the controversy with DAPPMAN stems from marketers’ demand for an annual subsidy of ₦1.505 trillion to cover coastal freight, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) charges, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) fees, and pumping costs. This, according to Dangote, would translate to an additional ₦75 per litre on petrol and diesel, which the marketers expect the refinery to absorb.

“We will not increase our gantry price to accommodate such demands, nor are we willing to pay a subsidy of over ₦1.5 trillion — a practice that historically defrauded the Federal Government,” the company said. “Marketers are free to lift products directly at our gantry and benefit from our logistics-free initiative.”

The refinery disclosed that it maintains a monthly closing stock of 500 million litres, adding that between June and September it exported 3.2 million metric tonnes of refined products. Over the same period, it alleged, marketers imported 3.6 million metric tonnes, describing the imports as “dumping” that undermines the economy and welfare of Nigerians.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms, noting that its operations are helping to stabilise the naira, cushion the effect of subsidy removal, strengthen Nigeria’s refining capacity, boost foreign exchange earnings, and create jobs.

The company stressed that it enjoys a strong working relationship with government agencies but will not hesitate to hold institutions accountable where necessary.