Concerns Trail IGP Monitoring Unit’s Delay In Victoria Creek Gardens Land-Grabbing Probe

Investigations by newsngr.com show the dispute involves allegations of forceful takeover of developed plots, demolition of buildings, intimidation of landowners, and the illegal sale of property within the estate.

The matter was escalated to the IGP Monitoring Unit after complainants said they were dissatisfied with how Police authorities in Port Harcourt handled it in 2025.

One of the principal complainants, Hon. Dr. Chris, said his property measuring over 10,000 square metres, including a bungalow, fence and gatehouse, was allegedly demolished before the land was cleared for resale. He alleged that pressure was mounted on him over the years to surrender the property for what he described as grossly inadequate compensation.

According to him, the alleged principal suspect, Mr. Michael Amadi-Orwu, threatened him inside the IGP Monitoring Unit office to sell the property or “lose all,” and also asked Police officers to convince him to sell.

“I approached law enforcement because I am not interested in selling my property under duress,” the complainant said. “My position has always been to retain my legally acquired property.”

He further alleged that during the earlier investigation, the suspect was arrested and granted bail, but no criminal proceedings followed. Instead, investigators allegedly suggested he sells the property to the suspect, which he rejected.

Complainants said they repeatedly met with senior officers of the IGP Monitoring Unit in Abuja over concerns that the investigation had stalled. Officers reportedly assured them that the case file would be withdrawn from the then Investigating Police Officer for reassignment. However, sources said the process was delayed after the Team Leader handling the file became unreachable. The Deputy Head of the Monitoring Team was said to have made repeated calls without success.

While the administrative process dragged, the complainants alleged that development and sales on the disputed land continued. Mr. Greg Sokari, another affected property owner, raised concern over promotional campaigns for Victoria Creek Gardens still circulating on social media. In one material seen online, the estate advertised investment opportunities at the Obakor Ikwerre International Convention in Houston, Texas. Complainants said the advert was misleading because ownership of parts of the estate remains under Police investigation.

Fresh developments emerged after the case was reassigned to another investigation team within the IGP Monitoring Unit. Sources said the new team found that the case file contained little or no evidence of investigative work by the previous team. This has fuelled suspicion among complainants that the investigation was deliberately frustrated.

During discussions, one investigator was said to have suggested returning the case to Port Harcourt because the offences occurred in Rivers State. The complainants rejected the idea, saying they lost confidence in the state-level handling of the matter. They also alleged that Mr. Amadi-Orwu boasted of having influential connections capable of frustrating legal proceedings in Rivers State. This platform could not independently verify the claim.

Complainants are urging the Police to either conclude investigations and prosecute, or take steps to stop further transactions on the disputed property pending the outcome. They warned that continued sales could expose buyers to litigation and financial loss.

The case has also highlighted rising concerns over alleged land grabbing and forced evictions along the Port Harcourt Airport Road corridor, where increasing land values have triggered more disputes.

As at press time, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official statement on the reassigned investigation. Efforts to reach Mr. Michael Amadi-Orwu for comments were unsuccessful. The allegations remain the subject of an ongoing Police investigation, and no court has made any determination on the claims by either party.