Abia State unseals property at No. 36 Ojike Lane after Governor Otti’s directive, clarifying enforcement actions in ongoing statewide compliance operations.
The Abia State Government has announced the unsealing of a property located at No. 36 Ojike Lane, Umuahia, following the intervention of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR. The decision comes after the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, drew attention to the matter, prompting a temporary lifting of the seal while the building’s documentation undergoes regularization.
Why the Property Was Originally Sealed
According to official information, the enforcement action at No. 36 Ojike Lane was not politically influenced. Instead, it was part of a blanket enforcement exercise executed by the Harmonised Task Force in line with existing court orders.
Government records indicate:
Ground rent has been outstanding since 1982, despite the lease’s expiration date set for December 31, 2025.
Multiple demand notices were issued, but no response or proof of payment was provided by the property owner.
A court order authorizing the sealing was secured after evidence confirming service of the demand notices was tendered.
Documents backing the enforcement include:
Official demand notices
Affidavit confirming service
Court order approving sealing
Statement detailing outstanding ground rents
Statewide Enforcement Overview
The Abia government noted that the sealing was part of a wider compliance effort that began in August 2025, targeting:
83 properties in Umuahia
91 properties in Aba
A large percentage of affected owners have since complied with the court directives.
Exemptions from Sealing
In compliance with judicial guidelines, certain institutions are not subjected to sealing due to their social importance. These include:
Churches
Hospitals
Schools
For such entities, enforcement is handled passively, ensuring essential services remain uninterrupted.
Other Properties Recently Unsealed
The government highlighted several instances where properties were unsealed after issues were resolved:
A property belonging to the Sam Mbakwe family
A radio station
A building used by a government agency
Government’s Position on Fair Enforcement
Governor Otti has instructed the Harmonised Task Force to ensure that all enforcement operations remain firm, transparent, and free from compromise. However, the administration noted that sensitive cases such as the one involving No. 36 Ojike Lane will receive heightened review to uphold fairness and maintain political neutrality.
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The statement was issued by Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on November 25, 2025.