The Rivers State Police Command has been urged to intensify efforts to conclude investigations into a disputed land matter at Victoria Creek Gardens (VCG) in Ikwerre LGA.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that this followed allegations which surfaced that plots within the estate are still being advertised for sale on social media while the matter is still under investigation.
There was earlier reports that businessman, Mr. Michael Amadi-Orwu, was detained by the Police over allegations of forceful takeover and demolition of properties in Port Harcourt. He was later released on bail pending further investigation.
The complainants and some affected property owners now allege that promotional materials for Victoria Creek Gardens are still being circulated online, including social media posts inviting the public to buy plots in the estate.
One recent Instagram post from the handle “victoriacreekgardens” announced the estate’s participation at the Obakor Ikwerre International Convention in Houston, Texas. The post stated that the organisation was “committed to creating premium communities, lasting value, and investment opportunities back home in Nigeria”.
Affected parties say the land remains under active Police investigation and argue that it should not be marketed until the matter is resolved.
One of the complainants, identified as Hon. Dr. Chris, alleged that his property of over 10,000 sqm along the Port Harcourt Airport Road axis was encroached upon and demolished. He claimed structures including a bungalow, perimeter fence, gatehouse, and security installations were removed before the land was allegedly cleared for resale.
According to Hon. Dr. Chris, the dispute began around 2021 when he said he was pressured to sell the property. He alleged that attempts to rebuild were repeatedly met with further demolition. He said he initially attributed the damage to environmental factors before concluding it was deliberate.
The complainants said the matter was first reported to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, whose intervention temporarily stopped activity on the site. They alleged that activities resumed after each Police intervention.
They also alleged that Amadi-Orwu claimed to have influence within security agencies and the judiciary, and that these claims discouraged some victims from pursuing legal action. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Sources familiar with the case said that the matter is now receiving renewed attention from the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit. The sources said Amadi-Orwu was recently re-arrested as investigators work to conclude the probe and consider possible prosecution.
The offences under investigation are alleged to include threats to life, criminal trespass, malicious damage, removal of survey beacons, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, forgery of land documents, and involvement in organised land racketeering.
Complainants have warned prospective buyers to avoid purchasing plots in the disputed area until investigations are concluded, saying the land remains subject to ownership disputes and multiple legal claims.
They also alleged that some occupants were intimidated and coerced into accepting compensation after being evicted. Claims by the suspect that influential government interests were behind the takeover were dismissed by the complainants as intimidation tactics.
The case highlights ongoing concerns over land disputes and forced evictions in fast-developing parts of Rivers State, particularly along the Airport Road corridor.
As at press time, the Rivers State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the latest developments. Efforts to reach Mr. Michael Amadi-Orwu for comment were unsuccessful.