Owerri Club Management Raises Alarm Over Illegal Sale of Imo State Government Property in Club Premises
…As current Exco dissociate themselves from the crime
… Petitions Imo State Government
By Our Correspondent
The management of Owerri Club has raised an alarm over the alleged illegal sale of Imo State Government property stored within the club’s premises during the administration of former Governor Rochas Okorocha.
In a letter addressed to Governor Hope Uzodimmaโwho, by statute, also serves as President of the Owerri Clubโthe newly elected management committee urged the governor through the SA on Monitoring and Compliance and the GM ENTRACO to investigate the matter, recover the assets, and prosecute those responsible.
Our correspondent has obtained a copy of the letter, which details how the government-owned items were unlawfully disposed of without authorization. The management emphasized the need for swift intervention to safeguard public assets and uphold the rule of law.
A copy of the letter is reproduced below for reference.
The Owerri Club, a prestigious sports and recreation club in Imo State’s capital, has long hosted certain state-owned facilities as part of historical arrangements. The alleged sale, reportedly occurring under the previous regime, has now come under scrutiny amid ongoing efforts to recover misappropriated public resources.
Governor Uzodimma’s administration has previously demonstrated commitment to such recoveries, including directives for inventory and retrieval of government vehicles and lands.
See full petition:
October 15, 2025
His Excellency,
Senator Hope Uzodimma,
Governor of Imo State,
Government House,
Owerri, Imo State.
Dear Sir,
SUBJECT: PETITION ON THE DISAPPEARANCE OF SOLID IRON TANK STAND INTENDED FOR THE SITING OF A MINI WATER SCHEME PROVIDED BY THE IMO STATE GOVERNMENT FROM OWERRI CLUB PREMISES
We are writing this petition on behalf of the new Management Committee of Owerri Club situated at Aladimma, Owerri, Imo State to bring to your esteemed attention a grave matter concerning the disappearance of government property kept within the premises of our club.
Upon the takeover of the club by the new management committee, a thorough inventory and assessment of all assets were conducted. It was during this process that we discovered the absence of a solid iron tank stands, which was specifically allocated by the Imo State Government for the siting and implementation of a mini water scheme within the premises of our club (find attached, the letter from the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Mayoral Affairs, Owerri Zone). The water scheme was aimed at improving community access to clean water. This tank stand is a critical component of the project and represents a significant investment of public funds intended for the benefit of the residents of Imo State.
Further inquiries and investigations carried out by our team, including consultations with relevant stakeholders and former staff, have traced the disappearance directly to Mr. Charles Okeke, (+234 803 325 3977) the Chairman of the sacked Management Committee. Evidence gathered suggests that the item was sold without authorization during the tenure of the previous committee, potentially constituting theft or misappropriation of government property. We have compiled preliminary documentation, including witness statements and inventory records, which we are prepared to submit to the appropriate authorities for further scrutiny.
Your Excellency, this incident not only undermines the state’s developmental initiatives but also erodes public trust in the management of government resources.
We urge you to direct the relevant security agency to launch a prompt and thorough investigation into this matter. Specifically, we request:
- The immediate arrest and questioning of Mr. Charles Okeke to ascertain his role in the illegal sale of government property.
- The recovery of the missing solid iron tank stand or its equivalent value to enable the continuation of the mini water scheme project if still desirable
- Measures to prevent future occurrences, including stricter oversight on government properties allocated to community projects.
We are confident in your leadership and dedication to fighting corruption and ensuring the welfare of Imo State citizens. Your swift action on this petition will go a long way in restoring confidence and facilitating the successful completion of the water scheme for the community’s benefit. We are available at your convenience to provide additional information or attend any meetings required.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your positive response.
Yours faithfully,
Ezinwa Onyebuchi Obinwa
Chairman
Ik Ogbonna
Secretary