House Moves to Probe Umahi Over Controversial Destruction of Diaspora Nigerians Real Estate Investment

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives is set to probe the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi over his alleged involvement in the illegal destruction of multimillion Naira real estate investment belonging to Nigerians in diaspora.

Umahi’s impending probe May not be unconnected by a petition addressed to the Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, by aggrieved Nigerian diasporans accused who Umahi of abuse of power and deliberate efforts aimed at undermining their investment in the Nigerian economy.

The petition dated October 14th, 2024, was submitted to the House committee on October 16, 2024.

The aggrieved diasporans said despite having necessary document, the Ministry of works stormed WinHomes estate without any prior notice and wreck havoc on the massive estate project.

They maintained that the illegal destruction of property has raised questions about Nigeria’s government seriousness in attracting foreign direct investment into the country.

The petition read: “Following his inauguration on May 29th, 2023, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has actively encouraged Nigerians abroad to return home and invest in the nation’s development.

“As real estate investor, we partnered with WinHomes and its associates, Engr. Stella Okengwu, Engr. Femi Adekoya and Mr. Olawale Oluwa (Pelle Homes), to contribute to this vision.

“We collaborated to acquire a significant parcel of land, supporting our esteemed President’s economic agenda with the intention of comprehensive development.”

” Furthermore, in a bid to fast track the economic agenda of President Tinubu, the real estate investors reached out to other diaspora Nigerians and invested massively in the WinHomes Investment Scheme Portal with 70 per cent of subscribers comprising of Nigerians based abroad.

“From purchasing properties for personal and investment purposes, these patriotic Nigerians significantly contributed to the much-needed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Nigeria.

“In addition, the investors in the WinHomes estate project also took the pain to carry out due diligence and obtained all the necessary documents, including compliance with requirements set by the Lagos State Government.”

According to the petition, the due diligence confirmed that the property possesses a genuine Certificate of Occupancy issued by the Lagos State Government for the Okun Ajah community.

It added that they also secured the Survey Plan, WinHomes Governor’s Consent, and WinHomes Clearance from the Coastal Road right of way from the Ministry of Physical planning Lagos State.

It stated: “However, in a surprising move that can best be described as brutal abuse of power, a contigent of military personnel allegedly acting under the direct order from Engr. Umahi’s Ministry of works stormed WinHomes estate without any prior notice and wreck havoc on the massive estate project, brutalised staff ,destroyed personal property and confiscated building materials valued at hundreds of millions of Naira.”