“Nigerian Navy forcefully occupying our family’s property in Rivers state” – Man raises alarm

Zidougha Bodiseowei Desmond has accused the Nigerian Navy of unlawfully occupying a property belonging to his late father, Brigadier General Lawrence Zidougha, who died in active service.

Desmond said the property, located at Plot 81 Rose Ada George close to GRA Phase 1 in Port Harcourt, has been used as a guest house for the commander of NNS Pathfinder.

He said his father died in 2001 at the age of 53 while serving as Commander, Army Records and Pensions, Lokoja.

Desmond said the Navy has continued to occupy the property for over two decades without compensation.

He said he has held several meetings with officials at the Naval Headquarters without resolution, adding that the Navy had promised to pay rent arrears, vacate the property or purchase it outright but failed to act.

He alleged that the Navy later wrote to the Rivers state government seeking to acquire the property without engaging him.

Desmond said the state government directed the Navy to contact him as the rightful owner, but no follow-up was made.

He said a high court in Rivers state ruled in his favour, ordering the navy to vacate the property. He, however, alleged that the navy has refused to comply with the judgment.

Desmond said the property was also listed for compensation under a Federal Government panel, noting that the Ministry of Defence had directed the Navy to either pay for or vacate the property.

He alleged that the directive has not been implemented. Desmond said he possesses all relevant documents, including the original purchase agreement from 1989.

He described the situation as “frustrating” and called for intervention to enforce the court judgment and resolve the dispute.