The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has renewed concerns about the ongoing land dispute in Enugu State, warning that the situation could lead to the seizure of Nigerian assets abroad. Following HURIWA’s earlier alert, Transparency Centre Network (TCN), a Kaduna-based non-governmental organization focused on good governance, has filed a detailed petition on the matter with various law enforcement agencies, calling for urgent intervention.

The petition, now In HURIWA’s possession and circulated to agencies including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy, builds upon HURIWA’s initial concerns. It alleged that prominent individuals in the Enugu State Government facilitated the appropriation of land through the creation of companies run by close associates of those in power. These companies, the petition claims, were used to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Chinese firms over disputed land in Ugwuaji Awkunanaw.

HURIWA had previously raised an alarm that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State reportedly signed the MOU with Chinese companies despite ongoing litigation over the land in Nigerian courts. The group cautioned that if the courts rule in favour of the original landowners, Nigeria could face international repercussions similar to what occurred in Ogun State, where Nigerian assets, including three presidential aircraft, were seized after a legal dispute involving Chinese companies.

Building on HURIWA’s warnings, Transparency Centre Network’s petition alleged that individuals within the Enugu State Government registered companies to sign the MOU, even though the ownership of the land remains contested in court.

“The Transparency Centre Network petition provides further disturbing details about the transaction. It suggests that several Enugu State officials helped set up companies that were used to sign the MOU on behalf of the government. These companies appear to be controlled by political associates of key figures in Enugu, raising serious ethical concerns.

“According to HURIWA, the land, reportedly belonging to four indigenous villages –Umunnugwu, Ndiaga, Isiagu, and Umunnajingene – was allegedly unlawfully revoked by the government in 2021. “Despite reported legal claims by the original landowners, the state government proceeded to sign the MOU, which may have violated court orders. Transparency Centre Network has now echoed HURIWA’s warnings that if the courts rule in favour of the local communities, Nigeria could face arbitration with foreign entities, risking the seizure of critical assets abroad, including embassy properties in China.

“In the petition submitted to government agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), Transparency Centre Network, in line with HURIWA’s earlier statement, demanded that the Enugu State Government halt all actions on the disputed land until the courts issue a verdict. The petition also called for an investigation of the officials involved in facilitating the MOU, particularly those who registered companies believed to be fronts for the illegal acquisition of the land,” HURIWA stated.

HURIWA emphasized that Transparency Centre Network’s findings reinforce its earlier warnings and underscore the urgency of the situation. The human rights group warned that the Enugu State Government’s actions, if unchecked, could lead to further instability and international embarrassment for Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA reiterated that Nigeria cannot afford another international embarrassment, especially in a case where the rule of law has been disregarded. The group again called on the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify whether President Bola Tinubu was aware of Governor Peter Mbah’s MOU with Chinese companies during his recent visit to China. HURIWA noted that although Governor Mbah was in China at the same time as the president, he was not officially listed as part of the presidential delegation.

Furthermore, HURIWA affirmed its support for the Transparency Centre Network in its advocacy for justice in this case. The group stressed that the rights of the Indigenous communities in Ugwuaji Awkunanaw must be upheld and that any attempts to seize their land through alleged dubious means should be stopped immediately.

In conclusion, HURIWA reiterated its commitment to advocating for justice for the affected communities in Enugu State. The group emphasized that the rule of law must prevail and that no individual or government official should be allowed to illegally appropriate land, particularly when foreign interests are involved.

“HURIWA remains vigilant in ensuring that the people of Enugu are not disenfranchised by the actions of a few powerful individuals and is prepared to take the case to international bodies, if necessary,” the rights group concluded.