Nwobodo denies wife’s involvement in Enugu property demolition

A former governor of the old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo, has absolved his wife, Pat, from the demolition of a building belonging to Pastor Basil Ogbuanu.

Ogbuanu had alleged that Mrs. Nwobodo orchestrated the demolition of his property under construction on Patson Estate, Independence Layout in Enugu.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, Nwobodo dismissed the claims, stating that the dispute stems from unauthorized building activities and a breach of estate regulations by the cleric.

According to the former governor, the situation escalated on January 16, 2026, when his wife visited the estate with a landscape architect and a police orderly for a routine inspection.

Nwobodo alleged that the team was prevented from leaving the premises after the estate gates were locked.

“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 stated.

He added that a backup police intervention was eventually required to rescue the group and secure the premises.

Nwobodo disclosed that following the confrontation at the estate, Ogbuanu was apprehended by police operatives at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport while attempting to travel to Lagos.

The cleric was subsequently taken to the Independence Layout Police Station and later arraigned in court for allegations, including illegal construction and property-related offences.

Nwobodo maintained that Ogbuanu had proceeded with building activities despite being informed that titles were undergoing certification due to changes in government land use regulations. He noted that he had even offered the pastor a refund, which was declined.

The former governor expressed disappointment over the allegations levelled against his wife, insisting she had acted in good faith to resolve the estate’s management issues.

“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.

Nwobodo further alleged that investigations revealed the cleric had ignored several government directives to halt unauthorized activities within the estate, causing concern among other residents.

He, however, did not explain who ordered the demolition of the property worth millions of naira despite the fact that he had already sold the property to the Pastor.

Culled from punch