EFCC Opens Investigation Into Arthur Eze Over Alleged N16 Billion Land Dispute in Enugu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into Nigerian business mogul Prince Arthur Eze following allegations of an unlawful takeover and demolition of a high-value estate in Enugu State.

The probe stems from a petition submitted to the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Command, which claims that Eze and his agents used armed police officers and bulldozers to destroy properties valued at over N1 billion and dispossess lawful owners of land estimated at N15 billion.

According to the petition, published by Sahara Reporters, the affected property—located at Ayo Railway Station, Centenary City—was allegedly seized through “unlawful invasion and malicious damage.” The petitioners say they derived their rights from a 2019 sub-lease agreement signed by Eze as Chairman of Triax Company Nigeria Limited. The agreement was reportedly formalized with a Deed of Sub-Lease and an Irrevocable Power of Attorney, registered under the Enugu State Geographic Information Service (ENGIS) with Registration Number 68/68/562.

The petition details that the land, consisting of approximately 300 plots and valued at over ₦15 billion, was originally registered to the late Hon. Anthony Nvene. Petitioners allege that in October 2025, Barrister Chukwudi Oli, acting on Eze’s instructions, brought armed police and unidentified individuals to demolish perimeter fences, gates, and buildings on the property without any court order or government notice. The destroyed assets are estimated at more than ₦1 billion.

“The actions complained of raise serious concerns of fraud and abuse of process,” the petition reads, noting that Eze, having executed the 2019 sub-lease documents, could not lawfully authorize a contrary action without following due legal procedures.

In response, Barrister Oli, representing Eze, denied the allegations and described the petitioners as “land grabbers” and “impostors.” He claimed that the disputed plots belong to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and that Eze secured a new 50-year lease after paying a ₦371 million premium in August 2025.

Oli further contended that an earlier 10-year lease from 2015 had expired, questioning the validity of the 2019 documents. He added that any demolition was carried out under a court order and police supervision to remove illegal structures while awaiting final lease agreements from the NRC.

Despite these denials, the petitioners maintain that their documents bear Eze’s signature from 2019. Oli challenged them to verify the documents, suggesting that the dispute may involve different plots than those claimed.

The Nvene Association, representing the affected parties, has urged the EFCC to investigate all individuals involved, including financiers and collaborators, and to determine how a property officially registered with the state could be forcibly taken over.