The Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) has called upon Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to assign all petitions regarding the Amachai land dispute in Okpanam, located in the Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesina.
This request aims to ensure fairness and professionalism in the handling of the matter.
In a statement signed by Dr. Kehinde Taiga, National President of the CDHR, the human rights organization condemned alleged land grabbing, contempt of court, and the misuse of security agencies to intimidate communities seeking to protect their ancestral lands.
The CDHR emphasized that such actions undermine democracy, the rule of law, and social stability.
The organization cautioned against allowing land grabbers to incite violence, sow division, or undermine judicial authority in Amachai Community or elsewhere in Nigeria.
The CDHR remains committed to safeguarding fundamental human rights, enhancing judicial independence, and preserving peace, justice, and constitutional order throughout Nigeria.
The Amachai Community comprises four families, Umuezegbe, Umuezenzuo, Umugbala, and Umurie which have historically functioned under a recognized traditional governance system.
Communal land is held in trust by the Diokpa, the eldest member of these families, in accordance with customary law.
The CDHR noted that violations of the rule of law pose significant threats to public peace and judicial authority, infringing upon the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the community members.
The CDHR expressed serious concern regarding the escalating tensions and ongoing violations of the rule of law stemming from the protracted land dispute in Amachai Community, which is currently under judicial review in Delta State.
The organization highlighted that court proceedings related to internal disagreements within the community date back to 2012.
Notably, the judgments rendered by Justice M. C. Okoh at the Akwukwu-Igbo High Court affirmed custodianship of the land to the Diokpa, without conferring ownership to any factions within the community.
The CDHR pointed out that recent writs of possession were obtained from a different court, bypassing the High Court that issued the initial judgment.
They characterized this act as forgery and a gross abuse of the court process, particularly when such documents are utilized to undermine ongoing legal proceedings.
In light of these developments, the CDHR condemned reported attempts to enforce possession in blatant defiance of the existing court order, allegedly with police and military involvement.
Such actions, if substantiated, represent contempt of court and a direct infringement on judicial independence.
The CDHR further urged police forces not to arrest, detain, or harass community members based on unverified or malicious claims related to land ownership.
They emphasized the need for strict adherence to existing court orders and called for accountability for any officers acting outside the law or enabling land grabbing.
Dr. Taiga concluded by advocating for an immediate halt to intimidation, harassment, trespass, or coercive actions within the Amachai Community.
He called for the enforcement of all prevailing court orders, impartial investigation of legitimate criminal complaints, withdrawal of police and military personnel from land possession endeavors, and fostering constructive dialogue and reconciliation facilitated by community elders and relevant stakeholders.
