By Douglas Princemola
A land dispute involving the St. Lazarus Catholic Chaplaincy and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Owerri, Imo State, has escalated into allegations of unlawful encroachment, harassment, and defiance of judicial authority. The chaplaincy, led by Reverend Father Jude Onyeakazi, claims that the prison administration, under the direction of Controller Kingsley Njoku, is encroaching on their property and using intimidation tactics to suppress opposition.
The land at the center of this controversy was officially allocated to the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri on July 14, 1999, by the Nigerian Prisons Service. The purpose of the allocation was to establish a Prison Charity Centre, which would include a chapel, administrative offices, and other facilities to cater to inmates’ spiritual and welfare needs. This initiative was fully sanctioned by the Nigerian Prisons Service headquarters in Abuja to enhance correctional services without compromising security.
Father Onyeakazi provided evidence, including an official letter signed by former Controller V.O. Ogbebor, confirming the legitimacy of the land allocation. Since 1999, the chaplaincy has developed and occupied the site, fulfilling its mission to serve inmates through spiritual guidance and humanitarian outreach.
The chaplaincy alleges that under Controller Kingsley Njoku, the prison authorities began constructing a perimeter fence that extended into church property. Despite obtaining a court injunction from the Imo State High Court in July 2024 (Suit Number HOW/1216/2024) to halt all activities on the disputed land, the prison authorities reportedly continued with the construction in defiance of the order.
“This land belongs to the church and was legally allocated for our work. The actions of the prison administration under Controller Njoku are illegal and unacceptable,” Father Onyeakazi stated. He added that the chaplaincy remains committed to pursuing justice through lawful and peaceful means.
Father Onyeakazi further accused the Nigerian Prison Imo State Command of creating an environment of fear and hostility. Armed officers, allegedly displaying rifles near the disputed property, have caused unease among worshippers, leading to disruptions in religious services and community activities.
Additionally, the chaplaincy expressed concerns about the deteriorating relationship between the church and the prison authorities, which had previously been cooperative. The environmental conditions surrounding the prison, including poor sanitation and air pollution, have also compounded the challenges faced by the church, discouraging worshippers from attending services.
The priest Rv Fr. Onyeakazi is thereby calling on the governor of Imo State, His Excellency governor Uzodinma to come to there rescue .
