Igwe or Invader? Nimo Community Accuses Monarch of Land Grabbing, Violence & Illegal Detentions
Nimo, Anambra State – July 30, 2025 – The quiet town of Nimo in Njikoka LGA has erupted into chaos as residents accuse their traditional ruler, Igwe Maxi Ike Oliobi, and allies, including retired Justice Godwin U. Ononiba, of turning the community into a “reign of terror.” Allegations include land grabbing worth nearly ₦900 million, extrajudicial violence, and the unlawful detention of 17 villagers, sparking urgent calls for state and federal intervention.
From Farmland to Flashpoint
The dispute reportedly began in 2020 when the monarch allegedly sold over 20,000 plots of communal land without proper consent. Community youth leader Okwaji Chidike claims the sales generated about ₦900 million, while the monarch’s camp insists the funds went into road development totaling ₦1.2 billion, leaving a controversial ₦300 million “deficit.”
“We rose to challenge this injustice, but instead of dialogue, we faced intimidation and violence,” Chidike told Sahara Reporters.
Blood, Fear & Detentions
The situation escalated with reports of attacks by alleged “unknown gunmen” targeting farmers and dissenters. In one chilling case, the body of a youth killed during the dispute has remained unburied for two years, locked in a mortuary under restrictions allegedly imposed by the monarch’s supporters.
Seventeen villagers—including an 80-year-old elder and 70-year-old Prof. Emeka Otumba, a rival to the Igwe’s 2019 election—have been detained for over 28 days without charge. Another critic, Ifeanyi Odubeli, died mysteriously just a day after his release.
“Their only crime is defending their ancestral land,” Chidike said, describing a climate of fear that has forced families to flee.
Alleged Political Backing & Kingship Controversy
Residents allege the monarch is backed by powerful figures, including SAN Chief P.A. Akuba and Njikoka LGA Chairman Barrister Chinedu Ononiba, accusing them of shielding an illegal private security squad responsible for abductions.
The kingship itself is under scrutiny, with claims that Igwe Oliobi’s 2019 election violated Igbo customs and state directives, raising questions about his legitimacy.
New Yam Festival Under Threat
With the New Yam Festival approaching in August, residents fear further violence. “Three youths have died already. More will if nothing is done,” warned a community source.
The suspension of the Awkuzu RRS officer linked to the detentions offers a glimmer of accountability, but detainees remain held without trial.
Official Silence
Attempts to get comments from Igwe Oliobi, the LGA chairman, or the Anambra State Police have so far been ignored. Governor Chukwuma Soludo now faces pressure to intervene to save the community and uphold the rule of law.
