ENSG Enforces Zero Tolerance for Criminal Activities
Recently, another property, a mansion located in Amaebo Owelli Autonomous Community in Awgu LGA, was demolished after being linked to kidnapping activities. Speaking at the site, Hon. Uche Anya, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, explained that the mansion was used to hold kidnapping victims. A video showing a male victim with AK-47 rifles pointed at his head in May 2024 was recorded in the same building, but security forces successfully tracked the location, rescued the victim, and apprehended most of the criminals.
The Enugu State Government has been actively carrying out a demolition campaign on properties linked to kidnapping and violent crimes, with the aim of serving as a deterrent. The government has made it clear that no criminal will be allowed to benefit from the proceeds of their crimes. In August, properties linked to kidnapping activities were demolished at Ogbeke Nike and Nkwubor Nike in Enugu East LGA, where a cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered.
Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State, mandates that any building or structure used for criminal purposes, including kidnapping, shall be demolished or forfeited to the state. This applies to property owners who are aware, or should reasonably be aware, that their building is being used for such illegal activities.
Recently, another property, a mansion located in Amaebo Owelli Autonomous Community in Awgu LGA, was demolished after being linked to kidnapping activities. Speaking at the site, Hon. Uche Anya, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, explained that the mansion was used to hold kidnapping victims. A video showing a male victim with AK-47 rifles pointed at his head in May 2024 was recorded in the same building, but security forces successfully tracked the location, rescued the victim, and apprehended most of the criminals.
Anya emphasized that the government’s demolition of such properties is a continuation of its war against criminality. “The property you see us taking down is a place where horrendous criminal activities happened,” he stated. He also addressed those who suggest repurposing such properties, explaining that the government prefers to demolish them to remove any reminders of the crimes and to enforce the law. He further warned landlords, stating, “Once you put up a house in Enugu, we hold you responsible for any criminality that happens in your property. If it’s linked to violent crime, we will take down the property.” The government has already taken over the property in Amaebo Owelli and revoked its title deed, with plans to use the land for more beneficial purposes, such as building a clinic for the community.
