The House of Representatives has received a petition from the leadership of Imobi Autonomous Community in Achara Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, alleging illegal mining activities involving Limei International Company Nigeria Limited and some individuals within the community.
The petition was presented during plenary by the Member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, who drew the attention of the House to the concerns raised by the community and the potential threat the situation poses to peace in the area.
In the petition signed by the Traditional Ruler of the community, Eze Sir S. C. Chukwuemeka (Imobi IV), the people of Imobi warned that the dispute could lead to a breakdown of law and order if the relevant federal authorities fail to intervene promptly.
According to the petitioners, certain individuals from Amanyanwu village allegedly granted unauthorized consent to Limei International Company Nigeria Limited to obtain a quarry lease licence, identified as QLS 64048 LS, from the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office in Abuja.
The community maintained that those who signed the consent letter were not the legitimate landowners of the mining site and therefore lacked the authority to approve the transaction.
The petition further alleged that Mr. Nicholas Chiwendu falsely presented himself as a paramount ruler while signing the consent documents, despite reportedly not being a recognized chief or title holder within the Imobi Autonomous Community.
Community leaders also raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the licensing process, including impersonation, false statements under oath, misrepresentation of land ownership, and alleged forgery of documents linked to the mining approval.
They disclosed that the matter has already been filed before the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/UM/CS/02/2026, involving the individuals accused of granting the consent, Limei International Company Nigeria Limited, and the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office.
The community also confirmed that a petition had been submitted to the Inspector-General of Police over the alleged offences associated with the mining licence. The case was subsequently referred to the Zone 9 Police Headquarters in Umuahia for investigation.
Leaders of the community further expressed concern that despite the ongoing court proceedings and complaints lodged with authorities, there have been attempts to compel the community to allow the mining company to commence quarry operations.
The Traditional Ruler explained that the disputed land forms part of a mineral-rich area shared by three villages within the Imobi Autonomous Community — Amaidi, Amanyanwu and Onuzo — with several individual landowners whose consent was not obtained before the approval of the mining lease.
While emphasizing that the community is not opposed to development or legitimate investment, the petitioners insisted that any attempt to exploit their land without the consent of the rightful owners would be resisted.
The Imobi Autonomous Community therefore called on the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, and relevant security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the quarry lease licence and ensure that due process and the rule of law are upheld.
The community also urged the Federal Government to intervene swiftly to prevent further escalation of tensions in the area while assuring that it remains committed to resolving the dispute through peaceful and lawful means.
