Adamawa Deputy Police Commissioner Threatens Southeast Man Over Property Purchase

A disturbing incident involving a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) from Adamawa State has sparked outrage and calls for urgent action. Ibrahim Babazango, a senior police officer currently attached to the Lagos State Police Command, reportedly threatened Vincent Umeh, a southeastern businessman, following Umeh’s lawful purchase of a property near Babazango’s residence in Yola, Adamawa State.

The property in question, located at 33 Mohammed Mustapha Way, Jimeta, Yola, was legitimately acquired by Umeh late last year from Ismail Mamman, the rightful owner. Umeh fulfilled all legal requirements for the transaction, including obtaining a title deed, yet this did not prevent Babazango from issuing disturbing threats.

In an audio recording that has since gone viral, Babazango states, “We’re a homogeneous community; I don’t want you as my neighbour. You can’t be my next-door neighbour, I swear. What sort of insult is this? Can any Northerner just move to the South-East, say Onitsha, and buy a property like that?” This comment underscores the regional intolerance fueling the dispute.

ADVERTISEMENT

Umeh recounted his experience, saying he was shocked to receive calls from Babazango warning him to abandon the property under threat to his personal safety. “I asked him what I did wrong by purchasing the property legally, but he only yelled that I was not welcome and that I was a stranger in the community,” Umeh said. Due to the threats, Umeh reported the matter to the police and the Department of State Services for his protection.

Babazango defended his stance, explaining that the property was sold without offering him the first right of refusal as a neighbour who had expressed interest in purchasing it. He stated, “I cannot guarantee his safety if he insists on owning that property because we live like brothers here, and an outsider from another region buying property is unacceptable.”

However, the seller, Ismail Mamman, clarified that he had informed Babazango of his intention to sell and had waited for a response he never received before concluding the sale to Umeh. “I sold it to a ready buyer after not getting feedback from Babazango. I have no issues with the buyer,” Mamman explained.

The Adamawa State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the matter. Police Commissioner Mohammed Ahmed Barde directed the Criminal Investigation Department to verify the allegations and take necessary action. The incident highlights a broader concern about ethnic intolerance and xenophobia from an officer expected to uphold the law and protect all citizens equally.

The episode raises critical questions about peaceful coexistence and property rights in a diverse Nigeria, emphasizing the need for swift justice to uphold national unity and protect citizens from discrimination and threats of violence.