Umahi Faces Allegations Of Corruption, Power Abuse Over Destruction of Diaspora-Owned Real Estate
•By Our Reporter
ABUJA – Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, is embroiled in controversy following allegations of his involvement in the illegal demolition of a multimillion-naira real estate investment owned by Nigerians in the diaspora.
A petition, addressed to Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, accuses Umahi of corruption, abuse of power, and deliberate actions intended to sabotage diaspora investments in the Nigerian economy.
The petition, dated October 14, 2024, was signed by a group of aggrieved Nigerian expatriates who claim that their properties were targeted without due process.
“We invested our hard-earned money in this project as part of our commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth. It is devastating to see our contributions destroyed without any justifiable reason,” the petitioners stated.
They allege that the destruction of their real estate project, which had been established as part of their contribution to the country’s development, was ordered by the Ministry of Works, under the direction of Engr. Umahi.
The petition reads in part: “Following his inauguration on May 29, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has actively encouraged Nigerians abroad to return home and invest in the nation’s development. It is disheartening that a top government official like Engr. David Umahi would act in direct contradiction to this call, causing severe financial and emotional distress to law-abiding citizens contributing to national progress.”
The aggrieved investors expressed their disappointment in Umahi’s handling of the matter, accusing him of deliberately undermining President Tinubu’s vision to boost economic growth by fostering an enabling environment for foreign investment.
“By disregarding all legal processes and demolishing our property, the Minister has sent a terrible message to Nigerians abroad who wish to invest back home,” said one of the petitioners, who requested anonymity. “We feel betrayed by the very government that should be protecting us.”
They further alleged that the minister acted outside the law, disregarding court injunctions and regulatory procedures in ordering the demolition of their property.
Calls for an investigation have mounted, with the petitioners urging the House of Representatives Committee on Works to probe the matter thoroughly. They hope for justice and compensation for the loss they have incurred as a result of the minister’s actions.
“As real estate investors, we proudly partnered with WinHomes and its associates, Engr. Stella Okengwu, Engr. Femi Adekoya, and Mr. Olawale Oluwa of Pelle Homes, to contribute to a shared vision of national economic development. Our collaboration led to the acquisition of a significant parcel of land, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda, with plans for comprehensive development,” the petitioners added.
In a bid to accelerate this agenda, “we reached out to Nigerians in the diaspora, who responded by investing heavily in the WinHomes Investment Scheme Portal. Notably, 70% of the scheme’s subscribers are Nigerians based abroad, purchasing properties for both personal and investment purposes. These patriotic Nigerians have played a crucial role in boosting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country, further advancing our collective national interests,” the petition detailed.
Investors in the WinHomes estate project, having conducted thorough due diligence, ensured compliance with all necessary regulations and obtained critical documentation.
These include the Certificate of Occupancy issued by the Lagos State Government for the Okun Ajah community, a Survey Plan, the WinHomes Governor’s Consent, and a clearance for the Coastal Road right of way from the Ministry of Physical Planning in Lagos State.
Despite these legal safeguards, a contingent of military personnel, allegedly acting under direct orders from the Ministry of Works led by Engr. Umahi, stormed the WinHomes estate without prior notice.
In a statement by the petitioners, they alleged that “In a move that can only be described as a flagrant abuse of power, the soldiers wreaked havoc on the expansive project. They brutalized staff, destroyed personal property, and confiscated building materials worth hundreds of millions of naira.
“This brazen act of destruction, which affected properties owned by Nigerians in the diaspora, raises serious concerns about the Nigerian government’s commitment to attracting foreign direct investment and protecting the rights of investors.
“The trauma of seeing our properties destroyed, knowing we followed all the laws, is unbearable. How can any Nigerian abroad trust the system to protect their investments after this?” said another affected investor.
This case has attracted significant attention, as it raises concerns about the security of diaspora investments and the credibility of the government’s call for foreign direct investment. The coming days will likely see increased scrutiny of Umahi’s tenure as Minister of Works, as both local and international stakeholders await the outcome of the investigation.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Engr. Umahi nor his representatives have publicly responded to the allegations. However, the petitioners have made it clear that they will continue to seek redress through all legal avenues available to them.
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