The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a Ghanaian national, Mr. Frimpong Samuel, for allegedly deroofing the apartment occupied by his tenant, Mr. Anozie Tochukwu, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
The incident reportedly occurred at No. 7 Chief Chike Street, NTA Road, Mgbuoba.
According to sources, the landlord allegedly removed the roof of the tenant’s apartment following a disagreement over the tenant’s continued stay after the expiration of his rent, reports Vanguard.
It was gathered that the tenant had been issued a notice to vacate late in 2025, as the landlord planned to renovate the property and asked him not to renew his rent, which expired in January 2026. Tochukwu reportedly pleaded for a 14-day extension to enable him complete arrangements to move into a new apartment.
However, on the morning of February 3, 2026, the tenant’s wife reportedly alerted him that the landlord had removed the roof of their apartment. Shortly after, a heavy rainfall allegedly damaged household items and personal belongings inside the apartment.
The tenant claimed that several items, including household appliances, furniture, documents and personal effects, were affected by the rain. He also alleged that some items were missing after the incident. He further stated that his pregnant wife and their two young children were exposed during the incident.
Following the development, the matter was reported at the Ozuoba Police Division, where officers subsequently arrested the suspect.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the landlord had been taken into custody.
“The landlord has been arrested and will be arraigned in court upon the completion of investigation,” she said.
Meanwhile, a Port Harcourt-based legal practitioner and human rights advocate, Mr. Raymond Okocha of Lawyers Watch for Justice International Initiative (LAWJII), condemned the alleged action, describing it as a violation of due process and the rule of law.
Okocha said disputes between landlords and tenants should be resolved through lawful means rather than self-help.
