Expressing concerns over an alleged involvement in a land dispute in Anambra State, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to uphold the rule of law.
HURIWA has urged the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to refrain from any actions that could undermine the ongoing legal proceedings concerning a disputed parcel of land in Nri Town, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Emphasizing the importance of respecting the court’s jurisdiction, HURIWA highlighted that the contested property is subject to litigation at the Anambra State High Court, with an existing interlocutory order restricting all parties from encroaching on the land until a resolution is reached.
The disputed land in Diodo village, Nri, has been at the center of a prolonged legal dispute involving various stakeholders, including representatives from Adazi-Nnukwu, Umudiani Family Nri, Enuora Family Nri, Umunri Community, and Nimo Community.
Despite the judicial directive, the recent announcement by the Anambra State Command of the NSCDC regarding the purported donation of four plots of land by Nri Kingdom has been strongly refuted by HURIWA as inaccurate and risky.
HURIWA cautioned that any acceptance of the alleged donation or initiation of construction activities by the NSCDC on the disputed land would not only contravene a court order but also escalate tensions in the community, potentially leading to disorder.
Highlighting the importance of upholding the rule of law, especially for law enforcement agencies like the NSCDC, HURIWA emphasized the necessity for adherence to legal processes and cautioned against entanglement in protracted land disputes for dubious interests.
Moreover, HURIWA urged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, (SAN), to intervene promptly and prevent the NSCDC from being ensnared in the legal ramifications of the dispute.
Stressing the NSCDC’s constitutional duty to respect and enforce court orders, HURIWA warned that any negligence in fulfilling this obligation could damage the agency’s credibility and diminish public trust in its commitment to justice and equity.
With the volatile situation in Nri Town, HURIWA cautioned that any inappropriate actions by the NSCDC relating to the contentious land could potentially incite violence and disrupt public order.