Landlord, FCTA Officials Accused of Collusion in Intimidation and Attempted Illegal Eviction of Abuja Businessman
By Daniel Okonkwo, Profiles International Human Rights Advocate
Abuja, Nigeria – April 2025
In a disturbing turn of events, Mr. Chinedu Okonkwo, an established entrepreneur and owner of an electronics store at 106 Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, has filed a formal complaint with the Inspector General of Police. He is accusing his landlord, Mr. Sunny, CEO of AIA International Limited, and certain officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) of conspiring to intimidate him, obstruct his lawful business, and illegally evict him from his premises.
Background of the Dispute
Mr. Okonkwo, who has operated his business at the premises for nearly 20 years, describes a targeted campaign of harassment following an incident on April 8, 2025, when the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), a department of the FCTA, demolished an illegal structure on land allegedly encroached upon by Mr. Sunny. While FCTA officials assured Mr. Okonkwo that his store would not be affected by the demolition, he was later served with a quit notice, citing alleged violations of the FCT Act of 1976.
Mr. Okonkwo insists that the quit notice is fraudulent and unjustified, as he is a tenant and not the owner of the structure in question. He has always operated under a valid commercial lease agreement and adhered to city planning regulations.
Escalating Harassment and Obstruction
In an apparent attempt to force Mr. Okonkwo out, his landlord allegedly installed two 200 KVA generators directly in front of his store, obstructing access to his business. Construction materials such as sand, water, and blocks were also dumped in front of the store, effectively blocking access and causing noise pollution and health hazards due to generator emissions.
Additionally, Mr. Okonkwo claims the landlord’s agents attempted to remove his goods without legal authority or court orders, violating Nigeria’s legal process. He also reports a previous instance where the landlord allegedly physically assaulted him inside the store, further disrupting business operations.
Criminal Allegations and Violations
Mr. Okonkwo has outlined the following serious allegations in his petition:
Criminal Intimidation (as per Sections 397 and 398 of the Criminal Code Act)
Unlawful Obstruction of Business
Health and Safety Violations, including pollution from generator emissions
Trespass and Illegal Eviction without a court order
Conspiracy and Abuse of Office, potentially violating the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000
Concerns Regarding Agape Regency Hotel
In addition to the harassment he is facing, Mr. Okonkwo has raised serious concerns about activities at Agape Regency Hotel, located within the same premises. Specifically:
1. Rampant Drug Trade and Consumption around the hotel, violating the NDLEA Act.
2. An Unregulated Prostitution Ring operating on the premises, with reports of underage exploitation.
3. Escalating Crime and Disorder, affecting the safety and security of the surrounding area.
4. Refusal to Comply with Health and Safety Inspections, raising alarms about sanitary conditions.
Mr. Okonkwo asserts that these activities are in flagrant violation of the NDLEA Act and other regulatory laws meant to safeguard public well-being.
Urgent Request for Police Intervention
In light of the ongoing threats and violations, Mr. Okonkwo is urging the Inspector General of Police to conduct an impartial investigation into the actions of his landlord and the potential involvement of FCTA officials in this abuse of power. He calls for the prosecution of all individuals involved in the illegal eviction attempt and for the protection of his business.
“My landlord vowed to remove me dead or alive,” Okonkwo stated. “I have committed no crime, yet I am being persecuted in my own country. I fear for my safety and the future of my business.”
Additionally, Mr. Okonkwo reports that access to his store has been severely restricted. The pedestrian gate designed for foot traffic has been locked and padlocked, and the main entrance has been locked by the landlord, leaving only a narrow gap between two generators as the sole entry point to his store.
This case highlights serious concerns regarding the abuse of power, property rights, and public safety. If substantiated, these allegations could signal a dangerous trend of administrative abuse in Nigeria’s capital.
Profiles International Human Rights Advocate and Profiles International will continue to monitor this case, advocating for the protection of Mr. Okonkwo’s rights and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld. We call for an immediate investigation and the swift prosecution of all individuals involved in this apparent conspiracy.
Landlord Harassment in Abuja
FCTA Abuse of Power
Illegal Eviction Abuja
Drug Trade Agape Regency Hotel
Prostitution Ring Abuja
FCTA Corruption and Abuse
NDLEA Act Violations Abuja
Health and Safety Violations Nigeria
Abuja Business Rights Violation
Profiles International Human Rights Advocate Investigation
Businessman Mr. Chinedu Okonkwo accuses his landlord and FCTA officials of orchestrating illegal eviction attempts and harassment. The petition also exposes rampant criminal activities at Agape Regency Hotel in Wuse II, Abuja. Profiles International Human Rights Advocate calls for swift action and justice.
Landlord, FCTA Officials Accused of Collusion in Intimidation and Attempted Illegal Eviction of Abuja Businessman
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