The leadership of Imobi Autonomous Community in Achara Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State has accused Mr. Damian Igbokwe and other individuals of allegedly facilitating the controversial granting of a quarry mining license to Limei International Company Nigeria Limited, a development the community says was carried out without the consent of legitimate landowners.

According to the community, Mr. Igbokwe, an indigene of Amanyanwu village, is among several individuals accused of allegedly collaborating in the process that enabled the company to secure Quarry Lease License No. QLS 64048 LS from the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office in Abuja.

Our reporter who cited the petition laid on the floor of the House of Representatives during plenary in Abuja by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, Member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency said the Honorable member drew the attention of federal lawmakers to the dispute and the potential security implications for the community.

In a petition signed by the Traditional Ruler, Eze Sir S. C. Chukwuemeka (Imobi IV), the community warned that the situation could lead to a serious breakdown of law and order if urgent intervention is not made by federal authorities.

The petition alleged that certain individuals from Amanyanwu village, including Sylvester Ohaike, Chika Onyirioha, Nicholas Chiwendu, and Damian Igbokwe, granted unauthorized consent to Limei International Company Nigeria Limited to obtain the quarry lease.

Community leaders insist that the individuals who signed the consent documents do not own land within the affected mining area and therefore lacked the legal authority to approve the lease on behalf of the community.

The petition further alleged that Mr. Nicholas Chiwendu falsely presented himself as a paramount ruler when signing the consent documents, despite reportedly not being a chief or recognized title holder in the community.

In addition, the community accused representatives involved in the licensing process of several alleged irregularities, including impersonation, false statements under oath, misrepresentation of land ownership, and forgery of official documents connected to the mining approval.

Imobi community leaders disclosed that the dispute has already been taken to the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/UM/CS/02/2026, involving the individuals named in the petition, Limei International Company Nigeria Limited, and the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office.

The community also confirmed that a separate petition has been submitted to the Inspector-General of Police, detailing the alleged criminal offences connected to the mining license. The matter was reportedly referred to the Zone 9 Police Headquarters in Umuahia for investigation.

According to the petition, tensions surrounding the matter increased after attempts were allegedly made to compel the community to allow the mining company to commence quarry operations despite the ongoing court case and complaints.

The Traditional Ruler emphasized that the disputed mining land forms part of a mineral-rich area shared by three villages within Imobi Autonomous Community — Amaidi, Amanyanwu, and Onuzo — with multiple individual landowners whose consent was never obtained.

“The community is not opposed to development or legitimate investment,” the statement said, “but we strongly reject any attempt to exploit our land through fraudulent processes or without the consent of the rightful owners.”

The Imobi Autonomous Community has therefore called on the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, and security

agencies to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the quarry lease license.

Community leaders warned that failure to address the situation promptly could heighten tensions and disrupt peace within the area.

All efforts to get to Mr Damian Igbokwe proves abortive for his right of reply.