Police, Thugs Destroy N40m Property In PH

A twin bungalow worth N40 million belonging to a Port Harcourt-based medical practitioner in Rumuosunwo village in Eneka community, a suburb of Port Harcourt metropolis was last Saturday, June 12, 2010 destroyed by mobile policemen and thugs allegedly hired by an indigene of Rumuodara community (names withheld).

The building was completely demolished using a bulldozer.

Although no reason has been adduced for the destruction of the property, The Weekend Tide gathered that the twin bungalow was completed this year and fenced with a gate in place while the medical practitioner and his wife were preparing to move into it in August.

It was also revealed that the one plot of land where the building was standing was never in dispute, as the owners, Dr and Barrister (Mrs) Nnaedozie V Aneke duly bought it in 2006.

The destruction of the property last Saturday came to the Anekes as a rude shock as an eye witness, Mr Iyke who owns a property next to theirs intimated them of the act through a phone call, which prompted them to quickly rush to the scene to see things for themselves.

Having confirmed the bad news, they wasted no time in reporting the matter to Eneka Police Station, and went further to write a petition to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police.

The petition which was endorsed by their lawyer, Godspower Akpelu (Esq) seeks among other things a thorough investigation into the matter with a view to bringing the suspect and his agents to book.

The petition reads in part: “Sir, this complaint demands your urgent attention to bring the perpetrator of this wicked act to book. Above all, this is a civilized society where hooliganism, man’s inhumanity to man, and lawlessness are strictly frowned upon. A sane aggrieved man who feels his right has been infringed upon has the law courts to seek redress.”

The petitioners also appealed to the commissioner of police to use his good offices and exalted position to see that justice was not only done, but seen to have been done, as nobody, no matter how financially endowed or powerfully placed was above the law.

While seeking for redress over the matter, they equally noted that their lives were of utmost importance and needed protection from the perpetrator of the act and his agents.

“Furtherance to the foregoing, we fervently pray you, sir, to order an urgent investigation into this case and ensure that the perpetrator is brought to book, because justice delayed is justice denied,” they pleaded.

When contacted for comments, the Police Public Relations Officer, Dr Rita Inoma-Abbey said the Divisional Police Officer for Eneka police station was yet to brief her on the incident but assured that justice would be done over the matter.