Leaders of Awka petition PSC over alleged police involvement in land matters

By Vincent Ujumadu

Leaders of Ezinano Community in Awka, Anambra State, have filed a petition with the Police Service Commission (PSC) over alleged police involvement in land disputes.

The petitioners claim that police have been using firearms, harassing, threatening, and intimidating community members, and meddling with land matters.

Specifically, they accuse leaders of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, of masterminding these unlawful activities.

The dispute revolves around a land issue between Ezinano Community and Umuzuocha Village, currently before the High Court. Despite the pending court case, police allegedly aided Umuzuocha people in destroying Ezinano Community’s economic crops, fruits, and trees.

This is in spite of the PSC’s restriction on police involvement in civil matters, including land and marital disputes.

On September 4, 2024, a police team led by Supol Iburu Ifeanyi stormed the disputed land, shooting sporadically and threatening community members. The Youth Chairman, Tochukwu Nwokoye, was assaulted, arrested, and taken to the Awkuzu station. The petitioners also claim that police have been providing security to their opponents, destroying structures, and chasing away women with AK 47 gunfire.

Similar incidents have been reported in the past, with protests and clashes between Awka indigenes and police over land disputes . The Anambra State Police Commissioner has previously denied police involvement in land matters, emphasizing their role in maintaining law and order.

The petitioners urge the PSC to investigate and take disciplinary action against those involved. Signatories include Ọzọ Ezekwesili Ọ., Ọzọ Dennis Okoli, Chidozie Oforah, and others.

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