RismadarVoice Reporters
February 5, 2026
Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a Ghanaian national, Samuel Frimpong, for allegedly removing the roof of his tenant’s apartment in Mgbuoba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect was accused of de-roofing the residence of his tenant, Anozie Tochukwu, located at No. 7 Chief Chike Street, following a disagreement over the tenant’s failure to vacate the apartment after the expiration of a two-week grace period.
It was gathered that the landlord had earlier informed Tochukwu not to renew his rent due to plans to renovate the property.
Narrating his ordeal, Tochukwu said he moved into the apartment in January 2024 and had consistently paid his rent. He explained that the landlord served him a notice late last year, directing him not to renew his tenancy, which is due to expire in January 2026.
According to him, after securing a new apartment, he pleaded with the landlord for 14 days to relocate.
“On February 1, 2026, I showed him evidence of payment for a new apartment and asked for two weeks to move out,” Tochukwu said.
He alleged that despite this, the landlord took drastic action.
“ Surprisingly, at about 8:02a.m. on February 3, my wife called to inform me that the landlord had removed the roof of our apartment. A few hours later, heavy rain started and all my properties, documents and certificates were exposed,” he said.
Tochukwu added that his pregnant wife and two children, aged two and three, were also exposed to the rain.
The distraught tenant claimed that property valued at about ₦25 million was destroyed in the incident. Items allegedly damaged or missing include a television set, deep freezer, chandelier, furniture, certificates, books, clothes, foodstuffs, medications, footwear and a savings box containing several months’ savings.
Police sources disclosed that detectives from the Ozuoba Division arrested the landlord on Wednesday after the matter was reported.
Confirming the arrest, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the suspect was currently in custody.
“Yes, I can confirm. The landlord has been arrested and is with the police. Investigation is ongoing and he may be arraigned after the investigation,” she said.
Reacting to the incident, a legal practitioner and member of the human rights group Lawyers Watch for Justice International Initiative, Raymond Okocha, described the action as a “grave injustice” and a violation of due process.
“Under Nigerian law, self-help is not permitted. You cannot evict a tenant by destroying property. Due process must be followed through the courts,” Okocha said.
“By removing the roof, the landlord has not only breached the Recovery of Premises Law but also violated the family’s fundamental right to dignity. This amounts to malicious damage and psychological abuse. We are calling for justice.”
