Setting the Record Straight: The Truth About Prof. Nnaji's Land in Onuogba Nike Community

Recent media reports have sensationalized baseless claims by squatters occupying Professor Bart Nnaji’s land in Onuogba Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area. These individuals have been spreading false information about land grabbing in the area.

The Facts:

Professor Nnaji purchased the land in 2005 from Chief Hyacinth Alinta, who had the Certificate of Occupancy.
The squatters, who migrated from Ezza Nkomoro in Ebonyi State, have been illegally occupying the land and threatening the landowner’s workers.
Despite a court judgment in favor of Professor Nnaji in 2013, the squatters have refused to vacate the land.
The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Callistus Onaga, intervened on humanitarian grounds, and Professor Nnaji offered to allow the squatters to purchase the land or vacate peacefully.
The squatters rejected Professor Nnaji’s offer and instead resorted to violence, including the murder of Mr. Sunday Ozoemena in 2023.
Bishop Onaga’s intervention led to an August 10, 2024, deadline for the squatters to register their acceptance of Professor Nnaji’s offer, including a N1 million grant to assist with relocation.
The squatters have no documents to support their ownership claims and have consistently rejected peaceful resolutions.

The Reality:

The squatters are the actual land grabbers.
Professor Nnaji has been patient and compassionate, despite the delays to his project.
The campaign of calumny against Professor Nnaji is sponsored by individuals fraudulently selling his land.

Verification:
The Catholic Parish Priest in Onuogba can confirm the facts stated above.

Conclusively
Professor Nnaji has taken all necessary legal and moral steps to reclaim his property and develop the project, which has been delayed for over 11 years due to the squatters’ impunity.”