A fresh wave of scandal has rocked the Imo State Housing Corporation as allegations of land racketeering, illegal detention, and physical assault emerge against top officials, including the General Manager, Barrister TPL Ucheoma Reymond.
Alexander Ifeanyi Uchendu, a client who purchased Plot B51 at Obinze Redemption Estate in 2022, claims he became a target after questioning suspicious dealings surrounding his property. Uchendu, accompanied by his relative Ihugba Iheanyi Nwadibia, narrated how their initial land purchase followed due process, with receipts duly issued and documentation signed during the tenure of the then-General Manager, Barrister Chinedu Mbakwe Obi.
The trouble reportedly started in 2024 when Uchendu was alerted that new parties were attempting to resell his plot. Upon verification, Housing staff confirmed him as the rightful fourth allotee. Yet, the value of the land had since appreciated significantly, fueling suspicions of internal sabotage.
Uchendu alleges that on June 26, 2025, during a meeting with the current GM, Barr. Ucheoma Reymond, he and his uncle were ambushed by unknown men within the Housing Corporation premises. Their phones were seized, they were physically assaulted, and later detained at the Quick Intervention Team (QIT) facility after the GM reportedly called in police operatives.
Despite presenting original land documents, Uchendu says the GM confiscated the papers and branded him a “land grabber” on live radio days later. His legal team, KM Onyeama & Associates, is now pursuing a civil suit against the Housing Corporation, with court proceedings scheduled for July 27, 2025.
Victims also expressed concern over the ongoing media smear campaigns by the Housing Corporation, aimed at damaging their reputations. “We followed all procedures and paid the stipulated fees,” Uchendu lamented. “Yet, today, I am being criminalized for defending my property.”
Efforts to get a reaction from the General Manager have been unsuccessful. Calls and text messages to his known numbers went unanswered as of press time.
Stakeholders and civil rights groups are now calling on Governor Hope Uzodinma to investigate the matter urgently to protect the integrity of the state’s public housing system.
