The member representing Isuikwuato/ Umunneochi federal constituency, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, Member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, has formally presented the Petition of Achara Uturu Over Alleged Illegal Mining Activities linked to Limei International Company Nigeria Limited and some individuals within the community to National Assembly
Presenting the Community’s petition during the House of Representatives plenary in Abuja, Hon Ogah who was highly disturbed by the situation, drew the attention of the House to the grievances of the community and the potential threat to peace in the area.
He therefore called on the national Assembly to step into the matter with a view to addressing the concerns of the community and prevent further escalation
In a petition by the community, the leadership and people of Imobi Autonomous Community in Achara Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State raised serious concerns over alleged illegal mining activities linked to Limei International Company Nigeria Limited and some individuals within the community.
The petition signed by the Traditional Ruler, Eze Sir S. C. Chukwuemeka (Imobi IV), the community warned that the situation could lead to a serious breakdown of law and order if urgent intervention is not made by the relevant federal authorities.
According to the petition, certain individuals from Amanyanwu village allegedly granted unauthorized consent to Limei International Company Nigeria Limited to obtain a quarry lease license (No. QLS 64048 LS) from the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office in Abuja.
The community alleged that the individuals who signed the consent letter are not the rightful landowners of the affected mining area, and therefore lacked the authority to approve such a transaction.
The petition further claimed that Mr. Nicholas Chiwendu falsely presented himself as a paramount ruler while signing the consent documents, even though he is reportedly neither a chief nor a recognized title holder within the Imobi Autonomous Community.
The Community leaders also raised allegations of serious irregularities in the licensing process, including impersonation, false statements under oath, misrepresentation of land ownership, and alleged forgery of official documents connected to the mining approval.
The Imobi leaders revealed that the matter has already been filed before the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/UM/CS/02/2026, involving the individuals accused of granting the consent, Limei International Company Nigeria Limited, and the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office.
Also according to the petition, the community has already submitted to the Inspector-General of Police, detailing the alleged criminal offences related to the mining license, resulting in the case being subsequently referred to the Zone 9 Police Headquarters in Umuahia for investigation.
They therefore expressed concern over developments involving state authorities, noting that despite the ongoing legal proceedings and complaints, there have been attempts to compel the community to allow the mining company to commence quarry operations.
The Traditional Ruler particularly emphasized that the disputed land forms part of a mineral-rich area shared by three villages within the Imobi Autonomous Community — Amaidi, Amanyanwu, and Onuzo — with multiple individual landowners whose consent was never obtained.
“The community is not opposed to development or lawful investment,” the statement said, “but we strongly reject any attempt to exploit our land through fraudulent processes or without the consent of the rightful owners.”
The Imobi Autonomous Community is therefore calling on the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, security agencies, and other relevant authorities to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the quarry lease license and take appropriate action.
The community consequently appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that due process, justice, and the rule of law are upheld, warning that ignoring the grievances of the legitimate landowners could heighten tensions within the area.
The community reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful and lawful resolution of the dispute, while urging authorities to act swiftly in order to prevent further escalation.
Hanto Daily News reports that the House of Representatives after hearing the submission of Hon Ogah and receiving the petition, referred it to the appropriate committee for further investigations and necessary legislative action.
