Some law-abiding residents and homeowners of Fairview Estate, Phase 1, Km 3, Isheri-LASU Expressway, Lagos, have petitioned the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos, over allegations of conspiracy, malicious damage, threat to life and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
The petition, addressed to the AIG and directed to the attention of ASP Alex Ozomah, was filed by counsels to the homeowners against a complaint lodged by one Chibueze Uzo Nwigwe against several residents of the estate.
Those named in the petition as persons on whose behalf Chibueze Nwigwe allegedly petitioned the Police included Mr. Salman Omokayode, Mr. Seyi Oluwatuyi, Mrs. Funmilola Adenodi, Mr. Taiwo Remilekun Ademoyegun, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Tiwalola George, Mr. Adewale Olufemi Shobule, Mr. Olumayowa Akinbo and Mr. Omobolaji Jubril Adejumo.
In the petition, the lawyers stated that they are counsels to several law-abiding residents and homeowners of Fairview Estate Phase 1 and are writing on their behalf based on their brief and instructions.
According to the petition, the homeowners are in serious apprehension that their fundamental rights to personal liberty, dignity of human person, private life and freedom of movement, as guaranteed under Chapter IV of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), will be breached.
The lawyers disclosed that their clients have already instituted Fundamental Rights Enforcement Applications before the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja Judicial Division, to seek protection of their rights.
The suits listed in the petition include Suit Nos: ID/22717/13MFHR/2026, ID/22673MFHR/2026, ID/22674MFHR/2026, ID/22676MFHR/2026, ID/22715MFHR/2026, ID/22693MFHR/2026, ID/22694MFHR/2026, ID/22695MFHR/2026, ID/22658MFHR/2026, all pending before the Ikeja High Court. Copies of the court processes were said to have been attached to the petition for the perusal of the Police.
The petitioners alleged that their apprehension is not speculative, claiming that Chibueze Uzo Nwigwe has openly boasted within the estate that the Nigerian Police will do his bidding regardless of the position of the law, as he allegedly has an AIG pushing his case from the top.
It was also alleged that he boasted that the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, will always protect him.
The homeowners further alleged that despite having sold out all units in the estate, the said Chibueze still carries himself as the owner of the entire estate, allegedly referring to legitimate homeowners who validly purchased and acquired legal and equitable interests in their respective properties as his tenants and vowing to deal with them and eject them.
According to the petition, he allegedly told a homeowner that he will sell the property and nothing will happen.
Other allegations include intimidation and threat to life. The petition alleged that he recently came into the estate to take photographs of Barr. Adejumo’s car and threatened to deal with him, allegedly boasting that he will kill him and nothing will happen because he has the backing of the Honourable Minister of Works.
It was also alleged that a video of him taking photographs of the said vehicle has been sent to the IPO handling the matter and that nothing was done about it, raising concerns about Police impartiality.
The petition also alleged that he went to the residence of another homeowner, Pastor Seyi Oluwatuyi, to intimidate his family and openly declared that he owns the estate and that those who purchased properties from him for value are his tenants.
The lawyers stated that since their clients, who are law-abiding citizens, have approached a court of competent jurisdiction to ventilate their grievances, the matter is now sub-judice.
They therefore, prayed the office of the AIG to take full judicial note of the pendency of the nine fundamental rights suits before the High Court of Lagos State and to stay action on the petition allegedly being pushed by Chibueze Uzo Nwigwe, in order to avoid actions that could be considered contempt of court and to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the suits.
They also urged the Police to ensure impartiality, protection of lives and property and respect for the rule of law.