Respect court order, avoid land dispute – HURIWA tells NSCDC

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has raised concerns over the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’ (NSCDC) alleged involvement in a contentious land dispute in Anambra State.

HURIWA urged the agency to desist from actions that may undermine the principles of the rule of law.

The group called on the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. 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, Anambra State.

HURIWA noted that the said property is currently under litigation at the Anambra State High Court, emphasizing that any action disregarding the ongoing litigation would be both illegal and provocative.

“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.

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“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.

“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.”

HURIWA rejected the claim, describing it as both erroneous and dangerous.

The association expressed deep concern that given that there is already a court order, 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.

In its statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA emphasized the critical importance of adhering to the rule of law, especially by law enforcement agencies like the NSCDC.

“Based on the evident existence of a valid court order sighted by us, 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,” the association said.

HURIWA warned that the action would not only compromise the integrity of the NSCDC but also tarnish the agency’s reputation as a defender of justice and public order.

Moreover, HURIWA drew 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.

HURIWA reminded the NSCDC of its duty under Section 287(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to enforce and respect court orders..

It warned 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, noting that any attempt by the NSCDC to act on the contentious land could trigger violence and a breakdown of public order.