BY PATRICK MGBODO
A Nigerian based in the United States, Jude Maduka, has petitioned the Delta State Commissioner of Police, urging immediate intervention in a case of alleged land trespass.
In the petition dated February 7, 2025, Maduka, through his counsel Chidel Onuora, alleged that the property, located near the Asaba International Airport, was sold to him in 2017 by Dr Darlington Ijeh, now Commissioner for Culture and Tourism.
Addressing journalists in Asaba, Maduka, through his counsel, claimed that when he sought to develop the property, he was confronted by individuals acting on behalf of an unidentified party who also laid claim to the land.
He said that despite reporting the issue to the seller, Dr Ijeh, he has received no response, even as he expressed hope that the police’s intervention would prevent a breakdown of law and order as he seeks to take possession of the property.
‘’Our client has reported this situation to Mr Darlington Ijeh, who strangely has stopped taking his calls and has remained silent on the matter to his chagrin. On the instructions of our client, we had written to Mr Ijeh requesting a meeting with him to discuss the subject but he has ignored’’ he said.
In response to the allegations, Dr Ijeh denied any wrongdoing, stressing that Maduka has failed to fulfil his obligation to negotiate with the Umuodafe Family, who has since secured a Supreme Court judgment concerning the land.
Addressing journalists, the commissioner said, ‘’If there is an issue regarding the property, is he (Maduka) not supposed to go to the property and if anybody comes to question him,
