The Imo State Government has sounded a strong warning over alleged illegal land sales at Redemption Estate in Avu, Owerri West, giving encroachers a seven-day deadline to vacate the area or face enforcement action.
Authorities say reports have emerged of individuals and land speculators unlawfully selling and allocating plots within Redemption Estate Phases 1, 2 and 3, falsely claiming to represent the Imo State Housing Corporation.
In a statement from the Office of the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, signed by Special Adviser Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, the government made it clear that no approval has been granted for any form of land transaction in the estate.
Officials stressed that all such dealings are illegal and have no legal backing, warning that anyone involved is in direct violation of land administration laws in the state.
The government cited the Land Use Act of 1978, which places ownership and control of all land within the state under the authority of the governor, rendering any unauthorised sale null and void.
“All such transactions are illegal, null and void,” the statement emphasised, adding that no individual or group has been authorised to act on behalf of the state in allocating land within the estate.
As part of immediate enforcement measures, all persons who have encroached on the land or erected structures such as fences, beacons, or other forms of demarcation have been ordered to vacate the premises within seven days.
The government warned that failure to comply would trigger strict actions, including demolition of illegal structures, revocation of any claims to the land, and possible arrest and prosecution of offenders.
Residents and prospective buyers have also been cautioned against engaging in any land transactions within the estate, with authorities stating that the government will not be responsible for any financial losses resulting from such deals.
The directive underscores the state’s renewed push to clamp down on land grabbing and protect public property, particularly in rapidly developing areas around Owerri.
