Umuocha Elders Sue IGP Over Land Seizure and Police Brutality

Elders from Umuocha Village in Avu Autonomous Community, Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, have initiated a N10.4 billion fundamental rights lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police and four others. The suit, marked CV/701/2026 and filed on February 17, 2026, in the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleges that the defendants attempted to forcibly seize land known as Mgbabo Uzji.

The plaintiffs, including Engr Christian Mike Onyekachi, Elder Godwin Okpara, Elder Chijiok Maduik, and others, claim they were mercilessly beaten by police during the demolition of their land and houses. The application seeks redress for breaches of fundamental human rights, including unlawful assault and intimidation.

The plaintiffs are requesting the court to declare the actions of the police unlawful and to restrain them from further interference with the land. They are also seeking damages totaling N20 million for hospital bills and N10 billion for psychological trauma caused by the alleged police brutality.