Police Detain Alleged Land Grabber Michael Amadi-Orwu Over N1bn Property Destruction in Rivers

Police Detain Alleged Land Grabber Michael Amadi-Orwu Over N1bn Property Destruction in Rivers

By Naomi Onome

A property owner, identified as Hon. Dr Chris, has accused an alleged land grabber, Mr Michael Amadi-Orwu, of orchestrating the demolition and takeover of his property valued at over N1 billion in Port Harcourt, sparking renewed police action and public concern over land racketeering in the state.

Hon. Dr Chris alleged that the suspect forcefully took over his property built on over 10,000 square metres of land situated along the new airport road. The said property can be accessed from Port Harcourt Airport or the Obirikwere flyover.

Amadi-Orwu is alleged to have encroached on properties surrounding Victoria Creek Gardens Estate in Ikwerre LGA, destroying buildings, including a bungalow, perimeter fencing, a gatehouse, and security installations, before clearing over 10,000 square metres of land. Hon. Dr Chris further claims the land has been subdivided and possibly sold to unsuspecting buyers, an action that has drawn public outcry.

According to him, the dispute dates back to 2021, when the suspect allegedly began pressuring him to sell the land, warning of consequences if he refused. He said repeated attempts to rebuild damaged structures over the years were met with further demolition, which he initially attributed to environmental factors before discovering human interference.

The situation escalated in 2025 when the structures were reportedly fully dismantled, prompting formal complaints to law enforcement authorities. Despite an earlier arrest, Hon. Dr Chris claimed the matter stalled, alleging that the suspect acted with impunity and repeatedly returned to the site to continue activities.

According to the complainants, the matter was initially reported to the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, whose intervention temporarily halted the demolition of the property. However, the suspect allegedly returned on multiple occasions to continue the destruction. Each time the police intervened and stopped the activity, he reportedly resumed shortly after, raising serious concerns about possible compromise within the system.

He further alleged that the suspect made claims of influence over security agencies and the judiciary in Rivers State, creating fear among affected parties and discouraging legal action.

The suspect Micheal Amadi-Orwu allegedly made a series of bold and disturbing claims, asserting that he has powerful connections within the police and that no action would be taken against him regardless of where the case is reported. He boasted of having judges in Rivers State on his payroll, insisting that no court in the state would deliver justice once his name was mentioned.

In addition, he reportedly threatened the rightful owners of the property, warning them to abandon it or risk being killed. Amadi-Orwu also claimed that his gatekeeper is a police officer and that he enjoys round-the-clock police protection, stating that officers would back down at the mere mention of his name. Amadi revealed that he controls local thugs and cult groups in the area, cautioning the complainants against returning to the property.

However, recent developments indicate a shift in the case. Police authorities, acting on fresh directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, have re-arrested and detained the suspect Amadi-Orwu. Sources indicate that the IGP Monitoring Unit is currently handling the matter, with steps underway to conclude investigations and initiate prosecution.

The alleged offences linked to the suspect include threats to life, threats of violence, wanton demolition of buildings and perimeter fences, and the carting away of valuables, including building materials. He is also accused of criminal malicious damage, vandalisation, and the removal of government survey beacons, as well as criminal trespass and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. Further allegations include involvement in land racketeering and the forgery of land documents.

Hon. Dr Chris said his decision to speak publicly was aimed at alerting members of the public and potential land buyers to avoid the disputed property, warning that multiple sales could trigger further legal disputes.

The case has also drawn attention to broader allegations of land grabbing and violent property disputes in parts of Rivers State, particularly along developing corridors such as Airport Road, where rapid urban expansion has intensified ownership conflicts.

Police authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the latest arrest, but insiders suggest that the renewed action signals a stronger stance against land-related crimes and enforcement of property rights.

As investigations continue, it is imperative to say that the outcome of the case may serve as a critical test of law enforcement’s resolve to tackle land racketeering and restore public confidence in the justice system.