The Onitsha Sports Club has cried out to the Federal and Anambra State governments, as well as security agencies, over alleged invasion and looting of the club’s facilities by thugs accompanied by police officers.
Briefing journalists on the incident at the complex on Tuesday, the Secretary of the club, Toochukwu Chidobelu, who was flanked by the President of the club, Titus Adirika, and other committee members, alleged that the invasion was led by some individuals, who have for years been trying to eject the club from its premises using what he described as a “kangaroo judgement.”
According to Chidobelu, members of the club were going about their normal activities when the hoodlums, allegedly accompanied by police officers, attacked the club.
He said, “Our members were outside the club. We did not know what was happening inside until this morning when we entered and noticed that hoodlums led by some police officers invaded our complex and carted away a lot of items.
“If we start evaluating the cost, it is over N500 million. Items carted away included television sets, solar lights, in fact, everything inside the club was completely looted.
“We appeal to the police, law enforcement agencies, and both state and federal governments to come to our rescue, the Onitsha Sports Club is a historic recreational centre where men of timber and calibre come to relax.”
Pointing to erected image of the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe at the club, he said the club is older than those individuals who are laying claim to its land.
“This case is already in court and still ongoing, but what we witnessed this morning was a mere expression of hooliganism. It is unfortunate that one of the persons doing this, is a lawyer who is supposed to understand what the law says. The incident happened by 5pm yesterday and lasted till midnight,” he added.
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On what the police said during the incident, Chidobelu explained that the officers claimed they were from the Abuja Police IRT and had a court order authorising them to enter the club premises, but were unable to produce the order.
“They said they came with a court order to vacate us from the club premises, but up till now, they have not shown us any order,” he said.
When asked why the individuals were interested in forcibly taking over the club premises, Chidobelu said, “Anybody can allege ownership of your home, but the person must provide proof of ownership.
“These individuals laying claims have not been able to provide any proof that they own the club or anything inside it.”
her the Area Command, Onitsha and the Central Police Station, Onitsha were alerted, he said the police did nothing, rather insisting they had a court order which was never produced.
He further alleged that many people were wounded and hospitalised as a result of beatings and the effect of tear gas reportedly fired by police officers, while many vehicles were destroyed.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said he was not aware of the incident.
Meanwhile, efforts to get the reaction of the individuals mentioned were unsuccessful.
Source: Punch · Ikenna Obianeri
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