Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | by DAILY MENTOR NEWS
Human rights activist and social crusader Osita Obi has demanded N25 million in compensation from the Catholic Diocese of Awka following the forceful eviction of his wife from a church-owned property.
In a press conference held in Awka, Obi presented certified copies of a court judgment that the Catholic Diocese secured against the property’s former owner—an action taken without the knowledge of tenants, including Obi’s wife, who was operating a shop in the building.
Obi explained that after relocating with his family from Abuja to Anambra State following his wife’s retirement as a deputy director in a federal agency, they legally began business in the shop. However, rather than notifying tenants to vacate after the court ruling, the church allegedly resorted to deploying police officers to break down shop doors and evict tenants forcefully, destroying their belongings in the process.
“The destruction of my property was supervised by the Chancellor of the Awka Diocese, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubuisi, who was physically present about three weeks ago when they destroyed our properties,” Obi stated.
“My wife was thrown out like a criminal and is now hospitalized in Enugu as a result of the trauma.”
Obi lamented that no notice was given prior to the eviction and accused the church of deception and cruelty.
“My properties were thrown out under heavy rainfall, and property worth about N5 million was destroyed. I am demanding a written apology and N25 million compensation from the Awka Catholic Diocese. If they refuse, I will take legal action,” he warned.
He went further to criticize the Awka Catholic Diocese harshly, comparing them to terrorists because of their actions and vowing to fight for justice.
In response, the Chancellor of Awka Diocese, Rev. Dr. Charles Ndubuisi, clarified that the eviction and destruction were carried out by court bailiffs and police operatives, absolving the church of direct blame. He also indicated willingness to allow tenants to reapply for residency in the property.