The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a Ghanaian landlord, Frimpong Samuel, for allegedly removing the roof of his tenant’s apartment, Mr. Anozie Tochukwu, in Obio/Akpor LGA.
The incident occurred at No. 7 Chief Chike Street, NTA Road, Mgbuoba, after the tenant’s lease expired in January 2026. The tenant had requested a 14-day extension to relocate, but the landlord reportedly removed the roof on 3 February 2026, coinciding with heavy rainfall that damaged household items, furniture, and personal documents.
Mr. Tochukwu, whose pregnant wife and two children were inside at the time, said the action exposed his family to the elements. Several items also reportedly went missing during the incident.
Police spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the landlord’s arrest, stating he would be arraigned in court upon investigation completion. Legal experts condemned the act as a violation of tenant rights, noting that evictions must follow due process under Nigerian law and extrajudicial measures like self-help are illegal.
The case highlights the importance of legal protections for tenants and serves as a warning that landlords cannot make properties uninhabitable to force tenants out. Charges may include malicious damage to property and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
