Anambra Attorney-General Reviews 180 Land Dispute Cases

Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, the Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, revealed that around 180 criminal cases associated with land disputes are currently under review by the Anambra State Ministry of Justice. This review follows public agitation for the reassessment of cases perceived as civil rather than criminal.

Nweke emphasized the state government's commitment to ending the undue criminalization of civil land disputes, assuring that those affected will be informed of the review outcomes shortly. Cases identified as civil will be discontinued, allowing parties to pursue resolution in civil courts, while criminal cases will be returned for prosecution.

The review process aligns with the government's goal to protect innocent citizens from wrongful criminal prosecution. Additionally, Bernneth Mbolu, Chairman of Umuenu Quarters, urged the Attorney-General to remain neutral in a land dispute case involving Umuenu and Enugwu Quarters, which has persisted since 1928, exacerbated by alleged land grabbing activities.