ABIA STATE GOVT. UNSEALS PROPERTY ON OJIKE LANE, UMUAHIA, CLARIFIES ENFORCEMENT EXERCISE ACROSS MAJOR CITIES

The Abia State Government has ordered the unsealing of the property located at No. 36 Ojike Lane, Umuahia, following the directive of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR. The action was taken after the matter was brought to the Governor’s attention by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

According to Government House sources, the unsealing is temporary and will remain in effect pending the full regularization of the building’s documentation.

The property was initially sealed by the Harmonised Task Force as part of a broad enforcement operation implementing court orders across the state. Officials clarified that the action was not politically driven but formed part of a general exercise targeting properties that had defaulted on statutory obligations.

Government records show that the property had outstanding ground rent dating back to 1982, with its lease set to expire on December 31, 2025. Despite repeated demand notices served on the owner requesting proof of payment and compliance, no response was received. This led to the procurement of a court order authorizing its sealing after evidence of service was duly presented.

Supporting documents for the enforcement include the demand notice, affidavit of service, the court order, and a detailed statement of the outstanding ground rent.

The enforcement operation, which commenced in August 2025, targeted 83 properties in Umuahia and 91 in Aba. A large number of affected owners have since complied with court directives by regularizing their documentation and fulfilling required payments.

In adherence to judicial guidelines, properties offering essential social services such as churches, hospitals, and schools are exempt from physical sealing. Enforcement in such cases is carried out passively to avoid disrupting critical community functions.

The state government has also overseen the unsealing of several properties following compliance or due consideration, including one belonging to the Sam Mbakwe family, a radio station, and another serving a government agency.

The Governor has instructed the Harmonised Task Force to ensure strict, uncompromised enforcement while maintaining fairness and sensitivity in handling issues with wider public or political implications. The unsealing of the Ojike Lane property, officials say, underscores this balanced approach.

The announcement was issued on Tuesday by Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.