Tragedy struck in Umuokoto village, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, when Anthony Nwanna, a tenant of Mr. Aloysius Ekeocha, died under controversial circumstances.

While some reports accused the landlord of causing Nwanna’s death over unpaid rent, the Umuokoto Community Council (UCC) refuted these claims, stating that Nwanna did not die in the village or on the landlord’s premises.

According to a statement on Friday by the Umuokoto Community Council (UCC) Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Ugwuegbulam and Secretary, Tochukwu Obiako “contrary to the report, the deceased did not die in the village or on the premises of the landlord.

“We urge the public to disregard reports of Nwanna’s death being caused by the landlord or vigilante, as these are false and aimed at spreading hatred and misinformation.”

The community council alleged that the late tenant was in the habit of attacking his co-tenants violently due to his indulgence in hard drugs.

“The deceased was a known habitual hard drug user and was often violent due to his indulgence in hard drugs,” said Tochukwu Obiako, Secretary of the UCC.

According to the UCC, Nwanna was a tenant of Ekeocha, who resides in Lagos State and rarely visits his property in Umuokoto.

When Ekeocha came to the village to bury his younger brother in May 2024, he met with Nwanna over the accumulated rent owed to him.

However, Nwanna refused to pay the rent and became violent, leading to his properties being taken to the vigilante office.

“After signing an undertaking to quit the building, his properties were immediately released to him,” said Ugwuegbulam. “It is on record that he even drove his motorbike himself back to his house,” UCC explained.

The UCC urged the public to disregard reports of Nwanna’s death being caused by the landlord or vigilante, stating that these are false and aimed at spreading hatred and misinformation. The council has also expressed empathy with Nwanna’s family over his demise.

However, some reports have alleged that Nwanna was beaten and detained by the vigilante, leading to his death.

The Imo Police Command has been called upon to investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible for Nwanna’s death are held accountable.

“We are calling on the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nwanna’s death,” said a human rights activist.

The police spokesman, Henry Okoye, was yet to respond to an enquiry about the incident. (The Nation)

Update news