Imo Cautions Against Illegal Sale Of Land At Redemption Estate

Imo State government has warned residents over alleged illegal sale and encroachment on government land at Redemption Estate Phases 1, 2 and 3 in Avu, Owerri West local government area.

The warning was contained in a release by the Office of the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance. The government said it had received credible reports that some individuals and land speculators were selling and allocating plots within the estate while falsely claiming to be acting on behalf of the Imo State Housing Corporation.

The statement, signed by the special adviser to the governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, highlighted the government’s commitment to protecting public property and ensuring strict adherence to the Land Use Act and other land administration laws applicable in the state.

The government revealed that no approval had been granted for the sale or allocation of land in the said estate.

“The state government hereby categorically states that no approval, authorisation or directive has been issued for the sale or allocation of land in the said estate”, the statement reads.

The statement emphasised that all such transactions are illegal and violate the Land Use Act of 1978, which vested the ownership and control of all lands in the state on the governor.

“All such transactions are illegal, null and void, and constitute a violation of the provisions of the Land Use Act 1978, which vested ownership and control of all land in the state on the Governor”.

The government directed all persons who  encroached on the land or erected structures such as fences, beacons or other forms of demarcation to vacate the premises within seven days from the date of this notice.

“All persons who have encroached upon the said lands or erected dwarf fences, beacons, or other forms of demarcation are hereby given seven days from the date of this notice to vacate the premises”.

The government  cautioned that failure to comply would lead to enforcement actions, including the removal of illegal structures, revocation of any purported claims to the land, and the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the unlawful activities.

They also warned members of the public against purchasing land within the estate.

“Members of the public are therefore strongly advised to refrain from purchasing land within Redemption Estate Phases 1, 2 and 3, as the Government will not be liable for any losses arising from such unlawful transactions,” the statement highlighted.