The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a Ghanaian national, Frimpong Samuel, over allegations that he forcefully removed the roof of an apartment occupied by his tenant in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
The incident reportedly occurred at a residential building on Chief Chike Street, off NTA Road, Mgbuoba.
Sources said trouble began after a disagreement between the landlord and the tenant, Anozie Tochukwu, over the latter’s continued stay in the apartment after the expiration of his rent.
It was gathered that the tenant had earlier received a notice to vacate towards the end of 2025, as the landlord intended to carry out renovations and declined rent renewal.
The rent was said to have expired in January 2026, while the tenant allegedly appealed for a two-week extension to enable him secure alternative accommodation.
However, on February 3, 2026, the tenant was reportedly informed by his wife that the roof of their apartment had been removed.
A rainfall later that day allegedly soaked household items and personal belongings inside the building.
The tenant claimed that furniture, appliances, documents and other valuables were damaged by the rain, adding that some items were unaccounted for after the incident.
He further alleged that his pregnant wife and their two young children were left exposed.
The matter was subsequently reported at the Ozuoba Police Division, where the suspect was arrested.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the landlord was in custody.
She said, “The suspect has been arrested and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.”
Reacting, a Port Harcourt-based legal practitioner and human rights advocate, Raymond Okocha, condemned the alleged action, describing it as unlawful and contrary to due process.
Okocha stressed that landlord-tenant disputes should be resolved through the courts and not by resorting to self-help, warning that such actions could endanger lives and property.