Police take landlord into custody after dispute over tenancy extension in Obio/Akpor

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a Ghanaian national, Samuel Frimpong, for allegedly removing the roof of his tenant’s apartment in the Mgbuoba area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

Frimpong is accused of de-roofing the residence occupied by his tenant, Anozie Tochukwu, following a disagreement over the tenant’s failure to vacate the apartment after a two-week grace period.

Narrating his ordeal, Tochukwu said he moved into the apartment in January 2024 and had consistently paid his rent. He explained that last year, his landlord issued him a notice indicating plans to renovate the building and instructed him not to renew his tenancy, which was due to expire in January 2026.

According to Tochukwu, he subsequently secured another apartment and appealed to Frimpong for 14 days to enable him relocate fully.

“On February 1, 2026, I showed him evidence of payment for a new apartment and asked for two weeks to move out. However, I was shocked to receive information that the landlord had removed the roof of our apartment,” he said.

“A few hours later, heavy rain fell, exposing all my properties, documents, and certificates. My pregnant wife and my two children, aged two and three, were also exposed to the rain.”

Confirming the incident, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the suspect is currently in police custody and that investigations are ongoing.