Police Arrest Landlord for Allegedly Removing Tenant’s Roof in Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a landlord, identified as Mr. Samuel Frimpong, following allegations that he removed the roof of a tenant’s apartment in Port Harcourt after asking the tenant to vacate the property. The incident reportedly occurred in the Mgbuoba area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and has sparked public concern over landlord-tenant relations and the enforcement of tenancy laws in Nigeria.
According to police sources, the suspect, a Ghanaian national, was taken into custody by operatives of the Ozuoba Police Division after a formal complaint was lodged by the tenant, Mr. Anozie Tochukwu. Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect may be arraigned in court upon completion of the inquiry.
Mr. Tochukwu, who moved into the apartment in January 2024, stated that he had consistently paid rent during his stay. He explained that towards the end of 2025, the landlord informed him of plans to renovate the building and instructed him not to renew his lease, which was due to expire in January 2026. According to the tenant, he had already secured a new apartment and requested a two-week grace period to complete his relocation.
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He said that on February 1, 2026, he presented evidence of payment for the new accommodation and pleaded for 14 days to move out with his family. However, he alleged that on the morning of February 3, while he was away, the landlord removed the roof of the apartment without prior notice. Shortly afterward, heavy rainfall reportedly damaged household property and exposed his pregnant wife and young children to harsh weather conditions.
The tenant further claimed that the incident resulted in extensive losses estimated at about ₦25 million. Items allegedly affected include household appliances, furniture, important personal documents such as academic and professional certificates, and other belongings. He also reported that some items, including savings and household equipment, were missing after the incident.
Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the suspect is currently in custody. She noted that the police are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident and will proceed with legal action where necessary.
Legal practitioners have also weighed in on the matter. A representative of Lawyers Watch for Justice International Initiative described the alleged action as a serious breach of the law. According to the lawyer, eviction of tenants must follow due legal procedures through the courts, and any form of “self-help” or forced eviction is considered unlawful under Nigerian law.
He explained that removing the roof of an occupied apartment could constitute malicious damage and a violation of the tenant’s fundamental rights, including the right to dignity and shelter. The group has called for a thorough investigation and appropriate legal consequences if the allegations are proven.
The incident has drawn public attention to ongoing challenges in landlord-tenant relationships across urban areas, particularly in situations involving eviction, renovation disputes, and tenancy agreements. Observers note that proper legal channels and communication remain essential in resolving such conflicts to prevent escalation and protect the rights of all parties involved.
Police authorities say further updates will be provided as investigations continue.