Chief Fidelis Anokam, an indigene of Imo State, has alerted authorities about Magistrate Cosmos Chigozie Agiriga’s alleged attempt to fraudulently claim ownership of his property in Owerri. This follows media reports about Agiriga’s illegal occupancy and eviction notices issued to him in early 2023.
Anokam, who allowed Agiriga to live in his property temporarily after he faced eviction in 2018, claims that their relationship soured when Agiriga began acting as the property’s owner. He alleges that Agiriga has been disruptive, damaging the property, and intimidating workers involved in renovations, even using his judicial position to threaten them.
Anokam has formally complained to the Chief Magistrate of Imo State, detailing Agiriga’s refusal to vacate despite multiple eviction notices. He is calling for an investigation into Agiriga’s appointment as a magistrate due to his alleged misconduct and threats against Anokam and his family.
He seems to be suffering from mental illness which he truly needs help from the judiciary. His behavior and attitude does not represent the judiciary well, Chief Anokam alleges.
Anokam’s letter outlines various grievances, including Agiriga’s unauthorized sale of property materials and ongoing harassment of workers. He seeks urgent intervention to regain control of his property for renovations and restore peace.
Chief Fidelis Anokam has shared his troubling experience regarding his brother-in-law, Magistrate Cosmos Chigozie Agiriga, who he initially allowed to stay in his Owerri property due to financial difficulties in 2018. Anokam provided Agiriga with a one-bedroom apartment with the understanding that he would vacate when renovations were needed.
Anokam expressed his disbelief that Agiriga now falsely claims ownership of the property. He reported that Agiriga has turned parts of the property into a kitchen, made the area unsanitary, and disrupted renovation efforts by intimidating workers and involving the police.
Despite Anokam’s offer to help Agiriga find alternative housing, he refused to leave. Anokam has reached out to the Imo State Chief Magistrate for assistance and has urged an investigation into Agiriga’s conduct and judicial appointment, as Agiriga has been taken to court for claiming ownership of Anokam’s property.
In a formal letter addressed to the Chief Magistrate, Anokam outlines his grievances, ongoing harassment of workers. He seeks urgent intervention to restore order and reclaim his property.
Chief Fidelis Anokam claims he is under constant threat from his brother-in-law, Magistrate Cosmos Chigozie Agiriga, who has left voice messages threatening his life. Anokam is fearful for his safety and that of his family and has informed them to hold Agiriga accountable if anything happens to him.
Chief Anokam alleges that, Magistrate Cosmos Agiriga has finally demolished the one bedroom boys quarters so he can use the judiciary to claim for damages as he has been threatening.
Agiriga has allegedly harassed Anokam’s workers and has been obstructing renovation efforts. On February 16, 2024, he detained a painter’s helper at the police station, causing significant delays and damage to materials. Anokam accuses Agiriga of selling various building materials without permission, including roofing sheets worth 400,000 Naira, and converting parts of the property for his own use.
Anokam has made multiple attempts to resolve the situation, including issuing eviction notices and filing a petition against Agiriga. He requests the Chief Magistrate’s intervention to ensure Agiriga vacates the property so renovations can proceed. Anokam emphasizes that Agiriga has being leaving free in the past six years and seeks urgent assistance to restore order.
