In the aftermath of the suspension of approval and issuance of Building Plans and Certificates of Occupancy by Imo State government agencies, victims of the alleged land racketeering allegedly orchestrated by the former Commissioner for Lands, Noble Atulegwu, are clamouring for refunds.
The state government, led by Governor Hope Uzodinma, has taken decisive steps to conduct a forensic audit of all land documents issued between January 2007 and December 2023.
The audit aims to scrutinize the authenticity of Building Plans and Certificates of Occupancy, prompting individuals holding such documents to submit evidence to the Secretary to the Government of Imo State within 21 days.
A source within Government circles in Owerri disclosed that the recent measures have triggered anxiety among victims of the land scam, prompting them to seek solutions urgently.
Some have reportedly approached government appointees, who, taking advantage of the situation, are allegedly defrauding them with false assurances of document regularization.
Atulegwu, who is implicated in the land grabbing issue, remains in detention following his arrest.
The suspension of Atulegwu and the General Manager of Imo State Housing Corporation, Barr Mbakwe Obi (Jnr), corroborates previous reports of widespread land grabbing and fraudulent practices in the state.
The released statement by Chief Cosmas Iwu, titled “SUSPENSION OF APPROVAL AND ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PLANS AND RECERTIFICATION OF LAND DOCUMENTS IN IMO STATE,” announces the immediate suspension and outlines the forensic audit process.
It urges individuals in possession of land documents to submit evidence for scrutiny.
The notice warns that failure to comply with the forensic audit will result in consequences, including the demolition of properties without further reference to the owners.
