The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a Ghanaian landlord, Samuel Frimpong, for allegedly de-roofing his tenant’s apartment in the Mgbuoba area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area following a dispute over eviction.
The tenant, Anozie Tochukwu, reported that he had been living at No. 7 Chief Chike Street since January 2024 and paid his rent regularly. In late 2025, Frimpong notified him of planned renovations and instructed him not to renew his lease, set to expire in January 2026.
Tochukwu stated that on February 1, 2026, he showed the landlord proof of payment for a new apartment and requested a 14-day grace period to relocate, which was to end on February 14. However, on the morning of February 3, his wife informed him that Frimpong had removed the roof of their home.
“A few hours later, it started raining heavily,” Tochukwu lamented. “All my property, documents, and certificates were exposed. My pregnant wife and our two young children were left in the open.”
He estimated losses worth ₦25 million, including electronic appliances, furniture, academic and professional certificates, personal documents, savings, and other belongings.
Police from the Ozuoba Division arrested Frimpong on February 3 after the incident was reported. Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest, stating that investigation is ongoing and the suspect may be arraigned afterward.
Human rights lawyer Raymond Okocha of Lawyers Watch for Justice International Initiative condemned the act, describing it as “self-help” and a violation of the tenant’s rights.
“Under Nigerian law, you cannot evict a tenant by destroying the property. The landlord must follow due process through the courts,” Okocha said. “This is malicious damage and a psychological abuse. We demand justice.”
Police say the investigation continues.
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