A Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Ibrahim Babazango, has allegedly threatened violent action against a property buyer, Mr. Vincent Umeh, for purchasing a house near his residence in Yola, Adamawa State.
According to a report by Sahara Reporters, the senior police officer, who hails from Adamawa and is currently attached to the Lagos State Police Command, was enraged upon learning that a Southerner from the South-East region had bought a property next to his home.
The property in question is located at 33 Mohammed Mustapha Way, opposite Ford Oil, Yola, and was reportedly sold to Umeh by one Ismail Mamman late last year.
In a viral audio clip circulating on social media, DCP Babazango was allegedly heard issuing threats to Umeh, warning him to withdraw from the transaction or risk harm.
“We’re a homogeneous community. I don’t want you; you can’t be my next-door neighbour, I swear,” the DCP was quoted as saying. “Can any Northerner move now to Onitsha and just buy property in any neighbourhood like that?”
Narrating his ordeal, Umeh said he was shocked to receive a call from the police officer after finalising the purchase with all necessary documentation.
“He told me bluntly that he could not guarantee my safety as his neighbour.
“I pleaded with him to no avail and reminded him that I had broken no law by purchasing a property in any part of Nigeria, ” he said.
Fearing for his safety, Umeh said he reported the matter to both the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation.
When contacted, DCP Babazango reportedly admitted to opposing the sale, arguing that his former neighbour sold the house to Umeh without first offering him the “right of first refusal.”
“My neighbour sold the house to a businessman without waiting for me, after I had indicated interest to buy the property,” Babazango said.
“Believe me, I cannot guarantee his safety if he insists on owning the property because we live like brothers here, and for an outsider to buy property in this area is unacceptable.”
He added that he had reported the matter to the District Head of Jemita and was considering legal action.
The vendor, Ismail Mamman, confirmed the transaction, saying he lawfully sold the property to Umeh after Babazango failed to follow up on his earlier expression of interest.
“I sold my property to Mr. Umeh after giving DCP Babazango notice. He said he would contact his brother but didn’t return with feedback.
“All documents were signed in the presence of a lawyer. I have no issue with the buyer,” he said.
The alleged remarks by the senior police officer have sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the statement as tribalistic and contrary to constitutional rights guaranteeing freedom of residence and property ownership across the federation.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
