PORT HARCOURT – The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended a Ghanaian national, Mr. Samuel Frimpong, for allegedly removing the roof of a tenant’s apartment in the Mgbuoba area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, leading to the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
The incident, which has sparked outrage among human rights advocates, occurred at No. 7 Chief Chike Street. The victim, Mr. Anozie Tochukwu, claimed the landlord resorted to “self-help” to force his family out after a brief disagreement over a relocation timeline.
A Rainy Nightmare
According to Mr. Tochukwu, who moved into the property in January 2024, the landlord had indicated in late 2025 that the lease would not be renewed due to planned renovations. While the lease expired in January 2026, Tochukwu stated he provided proof of payment for a new apartment on February 1 and requested a 14-day grace period to move his family.
The request was met with a violent response. On the morning of February 3, while Tochukwu was away, Mr. Frimpong allegedly stripped the roof off the building.
”My wife called me in a panic at 8:02 AM,” Tochukwu lamented. “Shortly after, a heavy downpour began. My pregnant wife and our two toddlers—aged two and three—were left exposed to the elements.”
Millions in Losses
The tenant reported a total loss of belongings valued at approximately ₦25 million. Beyond electronics and furniture, the rain destroyed irreplaceable documents, including:
- University degrees and NYSC discharge certificates.
- Professional certifications and birth certificates.
- Vital pregnancy and pediatric medications.
Tochukwu also alleged that during the chaos, several items went missing, including a ceiling fan and a savings box containing nine months of cash.
Legal and Police Action
The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest on Wednesday. “The suspect is in custody, and an investigation is ongoing. He will likely be arraigned in court once the process is concluded,” she stated.
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Legal experts have condemned the landlord’s actions. Mr. Raymond Okocha, a lawyer with Lawyers Watch for Justice International Initiative, emphasized that Nigerian law does not recognize “self-help” in tenancy disputes.
”You cannot evict a human being by destroying the property. This is a flagrant violation of the Recovery of Premises Law and the family’s fundamental right to dignity,” Okocha said.
