Citizens’ Solution Network has urged the Cross River Government to investigate the alleged demolition of Olajide Jarmane’s property in Calabar and protect his investment.
By Frank Ulom
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Published on November 10, 2026
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4 min read
The Citizens’ Solution Network has called on the Cross River State Government, led by Governor Bassey Otu, to urgently investigate the alleged demolition of a property belonging to an investor, Olajide Jarmane, in Ikot Ansa, Calabar, and ensure justice is served.
The organisation also demanded accountability over the alleged involvement of a government task force in the demolition, as well as reported threats against workers at the property.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, and signed by its Country Director, Richard Inoyo, the organisation alleged that Jarmane’s property was demolished on August 14, 2026, despite his claim that he had obtained the necessary development approvals.
According to the statement, Jarmane moved to Calabar about 15 years ago as a technology expert before venturing into real estate after retiring from his employment at SLOT.
Inoyo said Jarmane acquired land in the state, obtained a temporary building permit, submitted his building plans to the relevant town planning authorities and attracted investors, including some from New York, to support his development project.
The organisation said Jarmane was developing serviced apartments and had invested personal funds and borrowed money in purchasing building materials and engaging workers before the demolition.
However, it alleged that a task force arrived at the construction site on August 14 and demolished the structure without presenting a court order, prior notice or an explanation of the legal grounds for the action.
The statement further alleged that armed men returned days after the demolition, threatened workers and warned them against resuming construction activities.
It added that even after Jarmane subsequently obtained permanent approval, concerns over the alleged threats had prevented him from continuing work on the property.
The organisation expressed concern over what it described as the Cross River Government’s silence on the matter, warning that the incident could undermine investor confidence and the state’s efforts to attract domestic and foreign investments.
“This is not just about one man. This is about all of us,” Inoyo said, arguing that the alleged treatment of Jarmane could discourage Nigerians living abroad and other prospective investors from committing resources to Cross River State.
He noted that real estate investments create employment opportunities for artisans, including bricklayers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers, while also providing housing, generating government revenue and stimulating economic activities.
The organisation maintained that government agencies must operate within the law and provide explanations for enforcement actions, stressing that no investor should be exempt from regulations, just as no government agency should be exempt from accountability.
It also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 investment appeal in New York, where he encouraged international investors to invest in Nigeria without fear, questioning whether the assurance extended to investors operating in Calabar.
The Citizens’ Solution Network consequently outlined three demands to the state government.
First, it called for justice for Jarmane, urging the authorities to make public the relevant records, including development approvals, notices and any demolition order connected to the property.
It said that if Jarmane violated any building regulations, the government should provide evidence, but if he complied with the law, he should be restored, compensated where appropriate and protected from further harassment.
Second, the organisation demanded an end to the alleged intimidation of investors and construction workers, insisting that nobody should be threatened for undertaking legitimate development activities.
Third, it called for accountability from the authorities, demanding clarification on who authorised the demolition, the legal provisions relied upon and the circumstances surrounding the alleged deployment of armed men to the property.
Inoyo further argued that the government must protect public institutions and private investments, warning against actions that could jeopardise the livelihoods of residents and undermine efforts to attract foreign direct investment.
“Calabar has unused land. Calabar has hardworking people. Calabar has a future. But that future will not be built by bulldozers. It will be built by justice, by due process, and by protecting those who dare to build,” he said.
The organisation urged Governor Otu’s administration to intervene urgently, investigate the allegations and ensure that the circumstances surrounding the demolition are made public.
It also called on prospective land buyers to acquire land through lawful means rather than resorting to actions that could undermine public institutions or destroy existing investments.
The statement reaffirmed the organisation’s support for Jarmane and its demand that the principle of investing without fear should apply to Calabar and other parts of Cross River State.
