The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intervened in a dispute arising from the alleged sale of a property belonging to former Cross River State governorship candidate and elder statesman, Chief Wilfred Oden Inah.

The anti-graft agency reportedly invited the first son and eldest child of the deceased, Mr. Maurice Inah, to its office to provide clarification on the circumstances surrounding the sale of the property, which other family members insist was not authorised.Sources said Maurice was later detained by the commission but has since failed to return for further questioning, reportedly citing ill health as reason for missing scheduled appearances before the EFCC.

Family sources alleged that the commission’s involvement followed petitions from other children of the late elder statesman, who are seeking to enforce what they described as their father’s wishes regarding the estate.According to the sources, the children are taking steps to recover the property allegedly sold without their collective consent. The property, located at No. 63 Ibom Layout, Calabar, was said to have been sold by Maurice Inah to one Mr. Emmanuel Emele for N100 million.

One of the deceased’s sons, Mr. Ofem Inah, described the sale as unacceptable, alleging that it was carried out without proper consultation and at a value far below the property’s estimated worth.

He said the property, which comprises a block of four flats with a large expanse of land, was intended by their late father to remain within the family.

“Our father’s position on the property was clear. Though not written in a will, it was communicated to all his children. The property was to remain in the family and was not to be sold,” he said.

He added that each child was expected to take a flat in the building, while the eldest son was allotted the surrounding land for development.

“We were surprised that our elder brother went against this directive and unilaterally sold the property. A property valued at about N300 million to N400 million being sold for N100 million raises serious concerns,” he added.Another sibling, Mrs. Mildred Ikheloa (née Inah), called for justice, insisting that the wishes of their late father must be respected.

“All we want is justice. Our father made his wishes clear regarding the administration of his estate, and those wishes must be respected even in death,” she said.She further called for the reversal of the transaction and the return of the funds to the buyer, arguing that due process was not followed

“The money paid should be refunded to the buyer, and the property returned to the family. That is the right thing to do,” she added.

When contacted, Mr. Maurice Inah neither confirmed nor denied the allegations bordering on the unilateral sale of the property and the management of other family assets. He maintained that the matter was a family issue and promised to provide clarification at a later date. (Guardian)

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