~ Threatens legal action
By Our Reporter
There is tension in Anambra state, following a petition to the state Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo by the family of late retired army general and former Minister of Science and Technology, Gen. Samuel Momah over their land with Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), which allegedly is being reacquired by the state government
The said land, R/25, measuring 993.579 square meters situated at Eme Court Nnewi was said to have handed over to General Momah by the then Military Administrator of Anambra state, Group Capt Rufai I D Garuba in 1996
Before his death in 2020, late Military officer, it was gathered, bequeathed the land to one of his sons and a medical Doctor based in United States of America,Dr Tobechukwu Momah.
In a letter to the governor,dated July 10,2026 signed by his counsel,Rt Hon Chugbo Enwezor and copied to the Attorney General of the state,the family, threatened legal action if the right thing is not done on the land by the state government
According to the petition, Momah’s son noticed some form of resistance on the land,when he started a building project from unknown persons who put themselves up as government officials
“Upon enquiry, information reached to our client that the government of Anambra State has acquired our clients property without any notice of revocation to that effect and necessary compensation paid to him by the state government in accordance with the provision of Sections 28 (4) and 29 (1) of the Land Use Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“It may interest you to know Your Excellency that as at 1st July, 2026 when we conducted a random search at the Land Registry Awka, it was revealed that Plot R/25 Eme Court Layout Nnewi still stands in the name of Gen. Sam Momah our client’s late father.
“We feel Strengthened by the fact that the right of a citizen to own property anywhere in Nigeria is guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and same cannot be derogated from otherwise than in accordance with section 44(1) of the said constitution and similar provisions under the Land Use Act Cap L5 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004
“It is in appreciation of these Constitutional provisions and other extant laws on the issue that we urge your Excellency to reconsider acting in a manner that would foster the impression that the constitution and relevant laws are being shoved aside in connection with the alleged acquisition of our client’s land in Nnewi Anambra State.
“In the circumstance therefore, our client’s instruction is that if Your Excellency is not persuaded to uphold his right over the land as demonstrated above, then we feel constrained to notify Your Excellency that this letter will also serve as Pre-action Notice against the government of Anambra State and Your Excellency the governor as required under section 11(2) (a) and (b) of the state Proceeding Law Ca ;31 Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria 1986.
” Again, the impending suit to be instituted at the High Court of Anambra State Nnewi Judicial Division will have our client: Dr. Tobe Momah as plaintiff with the government of Anambra State as defendant.
“TAKE NOTICE that the cause of action in the proposed suit will centre around the Certificate of occupancy granted General Momah over the said land at Eme Court layout Nnewi which he subsequently bequeathed to our client his right over which is currently being threatened by alleged government acquisition and interference.
“We warmly appreciate Your Excellency in expectation that you will do the needful and safe our client the burden of having the resort to Court to prove the obvious. As we look forward to your response kindly accept the assurance of our warmest rewards” the family wrote
