Winlyn Limited, an indigenous engineering and energy services firm, has petitioned Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, alleging persistent obstruction that has prevented it from taking possession of a parcel of land allocated to it by the state government.

The petition, dated October 7, 2025, was signed by the company’s legal representatives—Inibehe Effiong, Esq., and A.M. Uchenna, Esq., of Inibehe Effiong Chambers. Addressed to Governor Otti, it calls for the immediate ejection of alleged trespassers occupying the land located in Umezike Autonomous Community, Umuahia, identified under Allocation Number UM/R/2562-2622/UNS.

According to the petition, Winlyn received an initial land allocation of 25,199.851 square metres in 2021 after paying ₦28 million. The firm said it went on to invest an additional ₦104.5 million in construction materials and site preparation. However, it later discovered an existing private structure encroaching on part of the allocated area. Despite its complaints, the Abia State Estate Development Agency (ABSEDA) allegedly failed to halt the ongoing construction.

To address the encroachment issue, the state government approved an alternative land allocation, with relevant documents attached to the petition. But Winlyn claims further attempts to take possession of the new site were blocked by individuals claiming to act on behalf of ABSEDA, supported by members of a Joint Task Force (JTF).

The company said materials worth over ₦35.7 million moved to the new site—along with earlier procured materials—have deteriorated due to lack of access. It added it had also paid ₦10 million in consultancy fees, putting its total expenditure at ₦150.2 million.

Winlyn further alleged that an internal ABSEDA investigation identified one Mrs. Lillian of Lovilly Concepts Nigeria Limited as the individual allegedly sending “miscreants” to intimidate workers and obstruct access. The petition cited a May 2, 2024 ABSEDA letter to the Commissioner for Lands requesting authorization to eject the intruders and secure the site for Winlyn.

Instead, the Commissioner for Lands reportedly sought police intervention by writing to the Commissioner of Police. Winlyn described this step as ineffective, claiming no arrests were made and no progress followed.

The petition noted that Winlyn’s President, Mr. G.C. Ukaibe, had previously issued an SOS on April 9, 2024. Governor Otti was said to have responded by directing the Commissioner for Lands to investigate urgently. Although ABSEDA subsequently initiated an inquiry, the company said the obstruction has continued “unabated.”

Citing Sections 1, 2(a), and 14 of the Land Use Act of 1978, Winlyn’s lawyers argued that the governor, as custodian of all land in Abia State, is constitutionally empowered to guarantee the company’s right to exclusive possession. They emphasized that only the governor has overriding authority on land administration in urban areas.

Beyond the legal issues, Winlyn highlighted significant economic consequences. It claimed that more than 500 workers scheduled for deployment have been left idle, while construction materials worth over ₦140 million are wasting on site. The firm said the standoff threatens potential tax revenue and investor confidence, particularly among its foreign partners.

According to the petition, prompt intervention would allow Winlyn to begin development immediately, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The company described itself as a major player in engineering, energy, marine logistics, oil and gas, civil works, mechanical projects, fabrication, and instrumentation—assets it believes would boost Abia’s industrial capacity and investment climate.

Winlyn concluded with three key demands: the immediate removal of all alleged trespassers, guaranteed access to the land within 14 days, and a written directive affirming its legal right to the property. While noting that it has avoided litigation “to prevent embarrassment” to the government, the company warned it may pursue legal action if the issue is not resolved.

As of the time of filing this report, the Abia State Government has not issued an official response.