- Central Methodist Church in Enugu says a businessman is encroaching on its land
- The church holds a survey plan and Certificate of Occupancy from 1993/1994
- The businessman holds a later certificate and says he acquired the land through due process
- The church’s entrance was blocked and its fence demolished
Members of Central Methodist Church at 1A Zik Avenue, Uwani, Enugu, have protested what they call encroachment on their land, Ikenga Online reported on February 28, 2024, in a report by Ben Ezechime.
The Methodist Church of Nigeria says it bought the land from the old Anambra State, with approval from the Enugu State Government, and holds a survey plan and Certificate of Occupancy from 1993/1994. Businessman Ikenna Chiakwa, also known as “Nwa Jesus”, says he acquired the land through due process and holds a Certificate of Occupancy that the church says dates from 2013 or 2014.
The church says Chiakwa blocked its entrance with debris and gravel, demolished its fence and levelled the land. Steward and lay reader Boniface Isienyi was the church’s main spokesperson. Chiakwa said: “I have gone there repeatedly to allow me do it. We will schedule for a meeting but the reverend in the church will not show up.” The protesters sought help from the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority.
Two certificates for the same land have left a congregation’s entrance blocked.
Double titling can happen in Jamaica too, through errors or fraud at the registry or in surveys. A church holding an older title should act quickly when a new claim appears, by lodging a caveat, getting a surveyor’s report and seeking legal advice. Keeping the church’s title and survey plans safe and up to date is the first line of defence.
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