A United States-based Nigerian businessman, Chukwukeme Okechukwu Kingsley, has alleged that his company has been subjected to cyberbullying and violent attacks following a land dispute in Urum community, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Chukwukeme, the Chief Executive Officer of Nwagutahihia Motors Ltd., USA, made the allegation while addressing journalists, claiming that several of his workers were injured during attacks linked to the dispute.
He said the crisis began in April 2024 after his company acquired farmland from three families in the community following what he described as extensive due diligence.
According to him, the company consulted community leaders, verified the status of the land at the palace of the traditional ruler and engaged a registered surveyor who charted the property at the Anambra State Ministry of Lands to confirm that it was free from government acquisition.
“We were told that the families were the genuine owners of the land. We signed agreements, including irrevocable power of attorney, before making payments and commencing work on the site,” he said.
Chukwukeme alleged that trouble started when the President-General of the community, Felix Godwin, challenged the transaction and insisted that development on the land could not proceed without his approval.
He said that despite a meeting held at the palace of the traditional ruler where the President-General reportedly acknowledged that the families owned the land, disruptions at the project site continued.
According to him, youths allegedly mobilised against the company destroyed building materials and later attacked workers at the site.
“While my workers were working on the site, armed men came shooting. Seven of my workers were badly wounded and as I speak, one of them is still in a coma,” he alleged.
The developer said the matter was reported to the police and that some suspects were arrested and allegedly confessed to their involvement in the attack.
“We have police reports and medical records. Some suspects were arrested and confessed, but we were later told the case was transferred and the suspects released due to pressure from above,” he claimed.
Chukwukeme also accused the President-General of orchestrating a cyberbullying campaign against him and his businesses through social media posts portraying him as a land grabber.
“The cyberbullying has affected my business badly. Some subscribers who bought land from us are asking for refunds because they read online that I am a fraudster,” he said.
Also speaking, a manager with Nwagutahihia Property and Homes Ltd., Ugochukwu Chinasa, said the company followed its standard verification process before acquiring the land.
She said, “Whenever landowners approach us for sale, we first verify with community leaders and elders of the families involved. In this case, the elders confirmed the land belonged to them.
“We also engaged a registered surveyor who charted the property at the Ministry of Lands and confirmed that the land was free from government acquisition.”
Also speaking, the Crown Prince of Urum, Prince Raymond Okafor, said land ownership in the community rests with families and not with the community as a corporate body except where land has been donated for communal purposes.
Similarly, the Traditional Prime Minister of Urum community, Chief John Arinze, alleged that the President-General had exceeded his mandate and resorted to intimidation and force in handling the dispute.
Both leaders called on security agencies to investigate the allegations and ensure that due process is followed.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the President-General, Felix Godwin, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
