Indications have emerged that the House of Representatives may probe the reason why the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, allegedly approved the demolition of a multi-billion naira real estate owned by a section of Nigerians in diaspora.

A petition aimed at achieving this has already been presented to the House Committee on Works, chaired by Mr. Akin Alabi.

The aggrieved Nigerians in diaspora, in a petition signed by Engr. Stella Okengwu and three others, accused the minister of abuse of power and undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for them to invest in the Nigerian economy.

The petition, dated October 14, 2024, stated that the petitioners collaborated to acquire a significant parcel of land and invested heavily in the WinHomes Investment Scheme Portal, with 70% of subscribers comprising Nigerians abroad.

They further explained that they conducted due diligence and obtained all necessary documents, including compliance with the requirements set by the Lagos State government.

According to the petition, their due diligence confirmed that the property possesses a genuine Certificate of Occupancy issued by the Lagos State government for the Okun Ajah community.

They also secured the Survey Plan, WinHomes Governor’s Consent, and WinHomes Clearance from the Coastal Road right of way from the Ministry of Physical Planning, Lagos State.

They argued that despite adhering to due process, a contingent of military personnel, allegedly acting on Umahi’s instructions, stormed the WinHomes estate without prior notice, wreaked havoc on the massive estate project, brutalised staff, destroyed personal property, and confiscated building materials valued at hundreds of millions of naira.

They contended that the illegal destruction of their properties raises questions about the Nigerian government’s seriousness in attracting foreign direct investment into the country.