The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has appealed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’ (NSCDC) to desist from actions that may undermine the principles of the rule of law following its alleged involvement in a contentious land dispute in Anambra State,
The right group in a statement signed by the national coordinator, comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko on Friday called on the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to urgently refrain from any attempt to take possession of a disputed parcel of land in Nri Town, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, which is currently under litigation at the Anambra State High Court,
HURIWA opined that any action disregarding the ongoing litigation would be both illegal and provocative.
The statement said “the disputed land, situated in Diodo village, Nri, has been embroiled in a protracted legal contention for decades, involving multiple parties, including representatives from Adazi-Nnukwu, Umudiani Family Nri, Enuora Family Nri, Umunri Community, and Nimo Community.”
It explained that the ongoing court case, referenced as Suit number AA/94/85, reportedly led to a subsisting interlocutory order restraining all involved parties from trespassing on the land until the matter is resolved.
According to it, “Despite this judicial directive, a recent news bulletin issued by the Anambra State Command of the NSCDC, and signed by SC Okadigbo Edwin, Head of Media & Tactical Ops, claimed that the Nri Kingdom has 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 to this development based on its investigation following a presentation to it by Diodo stakeholders categorically rejected the claim, describing it as both erroneous and dangerous.
The group expressed deep concern given that there is already a court order, warning that any attempt by the NSCDC to accept the “donation” or commence construction on the disputed land would not only violate a court order but could also exacerbate tensions in the community, potentially leading to a breakdown of law and order.
HURIWA reminded the NSCDC of the critical importance of adhering to the rule of law, especially by law enforcement agencies whose statutory mandate includes the protection of public peace and the enforcement of court orders.
The association highlighted that based on the evident existence of a valid court order available in their disposal, stated that the purported donation is not only legally void but also represents a reckless move by certain individuals who are attempting to manipulate the NSCDC into a protracted land dispute for some unclear interests.
“Such actions,” according to them, would not only compromise the integrity of the NSCDC but also risk tarnishing the agency’s reputation as a defender of justice and public order.
HURIWA however called on the attention of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, (SAN) to the urgent need to intervene and prevent the NSCDC from being dragged into this legal quagmire.
They also 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. HURIWA cautioned that any deviation from this responsibility could result in a scandalous disregard for the law, thereby eroding public confidence in the agency’s commitment to justice and fairness.
The association further warned that the situation in Nri Town is highly volatile, and any attempt by the NSCDC to act on the contentious land could trigger violence and a breakdown of public order warning that the NSCDC must avoid becoming an interloper in a land dispute that is still before a court of competent jurisdiction, and instead, should act in accordance with the legal process and the principles of justice.
The association pointed out that accepting the disputed land as a “donation” would not only be legally indefensible but could also lead to a catastrophic disruption of peace in the area.
The group 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 will resolve the matter impartially and in accordance with the law, thereby ensuring that justice prevails for all concerned.
Group Urges NSCDC To Respect Court Orders, Avoid Land Dispute Controversy In Anambra is first published on The Whistler Newspaper