Emenike cries out over seized N30m property

Emmanuel Emenike and the Enugu State Government are in dispute over 13 plots of land worth N30m (about $180,000), which the Super Eagles forward bought to build a sports academy in the state.

The Fenerbache star purchased the property after the World Cup in Brazil through a special assistant to the Enugu state governor, Frank Ndubuisi Ugwunweze, but now the striker is unhappy that soldiers have invaded the property and prevented construction work on the site.

“I worked hard to make my money, I know what I pass through on the pitch before I earn my living and it will be unfair if what I’m hearing about my land in Enugu state is true,” he told AfricanFootball.com.

“I visit Enugu whenever I come to Nigeria, my friends stay there as well as some of my family members. And I am the kind of person who allows for advice. Even before now, I had a dream to own an academy not only in Nigeria but I believe in the saying that “charity begins at home”.

“About three, four months ago, I acquired 13 plots of land in Enugu state through the special assistant to Governor Sullivan Chime. And during the time of conversation of the land papers, he never told me there was any problem on the land. He gave me all the necessary documents in my name after payment.

“I then directed for work to commence immediately, but the state government has directed soldiers to stop anybody from working there.”

Emenike is at a loss but he’s ruling out mischief.

“I don’t want to believe that this is fraud. I am ready to fight it all,” he said.

“I am not a politician and I see no reason why my money will be held by the government house. I have called some top government officials in Enugu, but all of them are not trying to be sincere. They could not help because the order came from the governor.

“Nobody is trying to be sincere and as a matter of fact, I want my money back. I am very depressed that there is no confidence in investing in my country. I just don’t understand the pranks. Right from time, I don’t like going through government for anything. I prefer to do it with my money and I see no reason why my property will be held back by government.

“People go to government to get free land, but I will not do that because there is no sincerity in most of the things we do. And I will not be here and somebody takes my money, it will never happen.

“I just want to believe that His Excellency, Governor Chime, was not aware of the purchase of the land. In that case, I will like to have my money back.”