EX-ENUGU GOVERNOR NWOBODO DENIES WIFE’S INVOLVEMENT IN ENUGU PROPERTY DEMOLITION

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Agency Report

Former Governor of the old Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo, has denied allegations linking his wife, Pat Nwobodo, to the demolition of a building owned by Basil Ogbuanu at Patson Estate, Independence Layout in Enugu.

Ogbuanu had earlier accused Mrs. Nwobodo of orchestrating the demolition of his property, which was still under construction.

In a statement made available on Tuesday, Nwobodo dismissed the claims, attributing the dispute to alleged unauthorised construction and violations of estate regulations by the cleric.

According to him, tensions escalated on January 16, 2026, when his wife visited the estate alongside a landscape architect and a police orderly for a routine inspection.

He alleged that the team was prevented from leaving after the estate gates were locked, leading to a confrontation.

“My wife and the group were subjected to a tense situation. The police officer accompanying them was physically assaulted, and his uniform was torn,” Nwobodo said, adding that police intervention was required to restore order.

The former governor further claimed that Ogbuanu was later intercepted by police operatives at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport while attempting to travel to Lagos.

He said the cleric was subsequently taken to the Independence Layout Police Station and arraigned in court over alleged illegal construction and related property offences.

Nwobodo also alleged that Ogbuanu continued building despite being informed that the property titles were under review due to changes in land-use regulations, noting that he had offered a refund which was declined.

Expressing disappointment over the allegations against his wife, he insisted she acted in good faith in enforcing estate management rules.

“I am at a loss as to why Ogbuanu would implicate my wife. She has been supportive, yet he has repaid her by falsely accusing her of involvement in the demolition,” he said.

He further alleged that investigations showed the pastor ignored multiple government directives to halt the construction, raising concerns among residents of the estate.

However, Nwobodo did not clarify who authorised the demolition of the property reportedly worth millions of naira.