The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed grave concerns over the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’ (NSCDC) alleged involvement in a land dispute in Nri Town, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State. HURIWA urged the agency to steer clear of actions that could undermine the principles of the rule of law.
In a strongly-worded statement, HURIWA called on the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, to immediately halt any attempt to take possession of a parcel of land in Nri Town that is currently under litigation at the Anambra State High Court. HURIWA emphasized that any action disregarding the ongoing legal process would be both illegal and provocative.
“The disputed land, located in Diodo village, Nri, has been the subject of a protracted legal battle involving multiple parties, including representatives from Adazi-Nnukwu, Umudiani Family Nri, Enuora Family Nri, Umunri Community, and Nimo Community. The ongoing court case, referenced as Suit No. AA/94/85, led to a subsisting interlocutory order restraining all parties from trespassing on the land until the matter is resolved.
“Despite this order, a recent bulletin issued by the Anambra State Command of the NSCDC, signed by SC Okadigbo Edwin, Head of Media & Tactical Ops, claimed that the Nri Kingdom had donated four plots of this disputed land to the NSCDC for the construction of a training facility and an office complex for the Area D Command Headquarters”.
Reacting swiftly, HURIWA rejected this claim, describing it as both erroneous and dangerous. The association warned that any attempt by the NSCDC to accept the “donation” or begin construction on the land would violate a court order and exacerbate tensions, potentially leading to a breakdown of law and order.
HURIWA stressed that law enforcement agencies like the NSCDC, whose mandate includes protecting public peace and enforcing court orders, must adhere to the rule of law. The association condemned the purported donation as legally void and reckless, suspecting that certain individuals are manipulating the NSCDC to serve their interests.
The association also called on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to intervene and prevent the NSCDC from being dragged into a legal quagmire. HURIWA reminded the NSCDC leadership of its constitutional duty under Section 287(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to enforce and respect court orders. The association warned that any deviation from this duty could erode public confidence in the agency’s commitment to justice.
HURIWA further cautioned that the situation in Nri Town is volatile, and any attempt by the NSCDC to act on the contentious land could trigger violence and a breakdown of public order. The association urged the NSCDC to avoid becoming entangled in a land dispute that is still before a court of competent jurisdiction.
In light of these concerns, HURIWA revealed it has drafted a comprehensive position paper addressed to the Commandant General of the NSCDC and the Attorney General of the Federation, urging them to reject the disputed land offer and avoid actions that could entangle the NSCDC in a legal and communal conflict.
HURIWA reaffirmed its commitment to justice and the rule of law, urging the NSCDC to respect the judiciary and uphold the law by staying clear of the disputed land until the court delivers its final judgment. The association emphasized that law enforcement agencies must align their actions with the legal process, as this is the foundation of a democratic society.
READ ALSO: HURIWA Backs Matawalle, Lauds Defense Ministry’s Achievements
Finally, HURIWA appealed to all parties involved in the land dispute to exercise restraint and respect the ongoing legal process. The association expressed hope that the judiciary would resolve the matter impartially, ensuring justice for all concerned. HURIWA reiterated that peace, law, and order can only be maintained when all stakeholders, including government agencies, adhere to the rule of law.
