₦500m Property Scandal Rocks Onitsha Sports Club as Executives Allege Looting, Vandalism

By Chukwudi Ebele

A major controversy has erupted at Onitsha Sports Club in Anambra State, following allegations by its executives that property and valuables worth over ₦500 million were looted or destroyed during an alleged invasion of the facility.

The club’s President, Titus Adirika, and Secretary, Tochukwu Chidobelu, raised the alarm while addressing journalists during an inspection tour of the premises on October 22, 2026.

They alleged that the incident resulted in extensive damage to the club’s facilities, the disappearance of valuable equipment and personal belongings, and injuries to members who were present during the confrontation.

According to the executives, the affected areas included the kitchen, gymnasium, wine bar and staff quarters, while solar-powered lights and surveillance cameras were allegedly removed.

They further claimed that a vehicle containing drinks worth over ₦100 million was vandalised, with cash, mobile phones and other valuables reportedly stolen.

“More than 50 solar lights and all the CCTV cameras installed in the club were allegedly carted away,” the executives claimed while describing the extent of the damage.

The allegations have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident and the reported involvement of security personnel.

‘They Came With Police Officers and Armed Thugs’ — Staff Member

Daniel Oloche, a staff member who identified himself as the club’s storekeeper and gardener, gave an account of how the alleged invasion began.

Oloche claimed that at about 5 p.m. on October 21, 2026, a man identified as Harold arrived at the premises with five police officers and dozens of armed individuals.

He alleged that the group forced the entrance open after he refused to open the gate.

Displaying an injury around his eye, Oloche claimed that he was beaten during the confrontation, while two other club members were also allegedly assaulted.

He further alleged that the wine bar was forced open after the key was collected from the attendant.

According to his account, items taken from the premises included three freezers, drinks, a generator, a water pump, solar lights and personal belongings belonging to staff members.

Among the personal belongings allegedly taken were mattresses, gas cookers, television sets and computers.

The club executives claimed that the group remained on the premises from approximately 5 p.m. until midnight.

These accounts have not been independently verified, and the allegations against those named have yet to be established.

Two People Hospitalised as Executives Question Police Response

The club’s leadership also alleged that two people were hospitalised following injuries sustained from beatings and exposure to tear gas during the incident.

Adirika and Chidobelu expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as the police’s failure to respond promptly after they reported the alleged invasion.

They claimed that, upon receiving information that the premises were being looted, they rushed to the Central Police Station and the Area Command in Onitsha to seek assistance.

However, according to the executives, no rescue intervention came until the following morning.

The executives called for an investigation into the reported delay, the alleged destruction of property and the circumstances under which the group reportedly gained access to the premises.

Traditional Ruler’s Letter Introduced Amid Ownership Dispute

The controversy also appears to involve a dispute over the club’s property.

During the briefing, Chidobelu referred to a letter from the traditional ruler of Onitsha, who reportedly disclaimed and dissociated himself from any involvement in the property dispute.

Chidobelu maintained that the letter should help clarify the monarch’s position on the matter.

However, the full details of the underlying ownership dispute and the positions of the other parties were not established in the account provided to journalists.

Police Spokesperson Says He Was Unaware

When contacted at the venue of the press briefing, the Anambra State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, reportedly said he was unaware of the incident said to have occurred on October 21, 2026.

Attempts to contact one of the individuals accused of involvement, both by telephone and through a visit to his office, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

The allegations have therefore not been tested against a response from the accused parties, and the police spokesperson’s reported lack of awareness does not establish whether a formal complaint was subsequently received or investigated.

Executives Demand Justice

The Onitsha Sports Club executives are calling on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, determine the extent of the alleged losses and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.

The case raises serious questions about property security, the handling of disputes and the conduct of anyone involved in the reported confrontation.

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