A heated controversy has erupted following allegations that Deputy Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Babazango from Adamawa State, now serving in the Lagos Command, issued threats against a southeastern businessman, Vincent Umeh, over a property Umeh lawfully purchased near his home in Yola.
The property, located at 33 Mohammed Mustapha Way, Jimeta, was reportedly sold to Umeh late last year by its owner, Ismail Mamman, after all legal processes were completed. Despite this, Babazango allegedly confronted Umeh, declaring in an audio recording that went viral that he could not accept a “stranger” from the Southeast as a neighbour, calling the community “homogeneous” and questioning whether a Northerner could buy property in the South East under similar circumstances.
Umeh, who expressed shock over the threats, said Babazango warned him to vacate the property or face harm. The businessman has since petitioned the police and the Department of State Services for protection.
Babazango, in his defence, claimed he had previously indicated interest in the property and should have been given priority before it was sold. He added that he “could not guarantee” Umeh’s safety if he insisted on keeping the property.
However, Mamman, the seller, contradicted this, stating that Babazango was informed about the sale and given time to respond but failed to do so. He then sold to Umeh, describing him as a legitimate buyer.
The Adamawa State Police Command has launched an investigation into the matter. Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ahmed Barde has directed the Criminal Investigation Department to probe the allegations thoroughly.
The case has drawn attention to the growing issue of ethnic bias and property discrimination in Nigeria, particularly among public officials expected to uphold justice and equality before the law.
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