Police Urged to Intensify Probe Into Alleged Rivers Land Racketeering, Illegal Property Sales
By Ogheneovu Abraham
Fresh concerns have emerged over the continued advertisement and alleged sale of disputed land within Victoria Creek Gardens (VCG) in Rivers State, despite an ongoing police investigation into allegations of forceful takeover, demolition of properties, intimidation of occupants, and land racketeering linked to businessman, Mr. Micheal Amadi-Orwu.
The controversy follows an earlier report that police authorities detained Amadi-Orwu over the alleged demolition of properties valued at over N1 billion in Port Harcourt before he was later granted bail pending further investigation.
However, complainants and affected property owners have now raised alarm that while investigations are still ongoing, promotional materials and social media advertisements linked to Victoria Creek Gardens continue to circulate online, allegedly inviting unsuspecting members of the public to purchase plots within the disputed estate.
A recent Instagram post by the handle “victoriacreekgardens” announced the estate’s participation at the Obakor Ikwerre International Convention in Houston, Texas, where the organisation reportedly showcased investment opportunities and luxury real estate projects connected to the estate.
The post read in part: “Victoria Creek Gardens is proud to announce our presence at the Obakor Ikwerre International Convention in Houston, Texas… committed to creating premium communities, lasting value, and investment opportunities back home in Nigeria.”
The development has triggered renewed outrage among some alleged original landowners and occupants of the estate, who insist that the land remains under active investigation by law enforcement agencies and should not be sold or advertised pending the conclusion of the case.
One of the affected property owners, identified as Hon. Dr. Chris, accused Amadi-Orwu of masterminding the destruction and takeover of his property situated on over 10,000 square metres of land along the new Port Harcourt Airport Road axis in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
According to him, the suspect allegedly encroached on properties surrounding Victoria Creek Gardens Estate, demolishing structures including a bungalow, perimeter fencing, gatehouse, and security installations before allegedly clearing the entire portion of land for a resale.
Hon. Dr. Chris alleged that the dispute began around 2021 when he reportedly came under pressure to sell the property. He claimed the suspect repeatedly threatened him with consequences if he refused to relinquish ownership.
He further alleged that attempts to rebuild damaged structures over the years were met with repeated demolition activities, which he initially believed were environmental incidents before later discovering what he described as deliberate human interference.
The matter reportedly escalated in 2025 after the structures on the property were allegedly completely dismantled, prompting petitions and formal complaints to law enforcement authorities.
According to the complainants, the case was first reported to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, whose intervention temporarily halted activities on the property. However, they alleged that the suspect repeatedly returned to the site after each police intervention to continue activities on the land.
The complainants also expressed fears that the suspect acted with a sense of impunity, alleging that he openly boasted about having influence within security agencies and the judiciary in Rivers State.
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They alleged that Amadi-Orwu made disturbing claims that he had powerful connections within the police and judiciary, insisting that no meaningful action would be taken against him regardless of where the matter was reported.
According to the allegations, he reportedly claimed to have judges “on his payroll” and warned affected occupants to abandon the property or risk violent consequences.
The complainants further alleged that the suspect claimed to enjoy police protection and maintained links with armed groups and local thugs operating around the area, statements they said created fear among residents and discouraged some victims from pursuing legal action.
Meanwhile, recent developments suggest renewed police attention on the matter following fresh directives from the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit.
Sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that Amadi-Orwu was recently re-arrested and detained as investigators intensify efforts to conclude investigations and commence possible prosecution.
The alleged offences under investigation reportedly include threats to life, criminal trespass, malicious damage, vandalisation, demolition of buildings, removal of government survey beacons, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, forgery of land documents, and alleged involvement in organised land racketeering.
Affected property owners have also warned members of the public and prospective investors to avoid purchasing plots within the disputed Victoria Creek Gardens property until investigations are concluded.
According to them, the land remains subject to ownership disputes and multiple legal claims, warning that unsuspecting buyers may become entangled in prolonged litigation and possible financial losses.
The complainants further alleged that some occupants of the estate were intimidated and coerced into accepting inadequate compensation after being forcefully evicted from portions of the land.
They also dismissed claims allegedly made by the suspect that influential government interests were behind the takeover of the property, describing such assertions as tactics aimed at frightening genuine landowners into surrendering their properties.
The case has once again drawn public attention to the growing problem of land grabbing, forced evictions, and violent property disputes in rapidly developing parts of Rivers State, particularly along the Airport Road corridor where rising real estate values have intensified ownership conflicts.
As of the time of filing this report, police authorities had yet to issue an official statement regarding the latest developments. However, sources close to the investigation indicated that a renewed police action may signal a tougher stance against land racketeering and related property crimes in the state.
Observers say the outcome of the investigation is likely to serve as a major test of law enforcement’s commitment to tackling organised land disputes, protecting property rights, and restoring public confidence in the justice system.
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