The Orinono Community Centre in Kogi State has lodged a formal complaint with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) against Mr. Ujah Sani Simeon, the Ejeh of Olamaboro, accusing him of fraudulent mining license acquisition without the consent of the host community.
In a petition dated September 20, 2023, titled “Petition Against Mr. Ujah Sani Simeon, The Ejeh Of Olamaboro Local Government, Kogi State, Hon. Agwoka Peter Abah, Mr. Yusuf Akahaka Iduh, Mr. Musa Balla, Matigo Oguche, Achema Joseph Akor Omale, And Luke Usman,” the community demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.
According to the petition, Mr. Ujah Sani Simeon, who is not a member of Orinono Community, allegedly forged signatures of some community members to fraudulently obtain a small-scale mining lease without their consent. The lease was granted in his personal name on May 22, 2023.
The Orinono Community’s lawyer, Ojonimi S. Apeh Esq., stated that attempts to amicably resolve the dispute had failed. The community claims that Simeon has been resorting to threats, including threats of violence and kidnapping, to maintain his authority as the Ejeh of Olamaboro.
The petition highlighted that Olamaboro Local Government Area (LGA) comprises several communities, each with its respective Chiefs (Gagos) and Chiefdoms, pre-dating the creation of the local government and the state itself. Orinono Centre is an ancient community with its own Chief (Gago) and Chiefdom, where coal, a valuable solid mineral, is discovered.
Trouble began when the community discovered on August 4, 2023, that their village stream, the sole source of water, was contaminated due to illegal mining activities by Simeon and his security personnel. The Ministry of Mines was informed, which prompted an investigation and a directive to Simeon to suspend further mining activities, a directive he allegedly ignored. Instead, he continued mining and hired more security personnel, causing security breaches in Orinono Centre.
The community further claimed that the clandestine activities of Simeon and his security personnel have led to crimes within the community, leaving residents in fear of kidnapping, violence, and assault.
The petition also accused specific individuals, including Hon. Agwoka Peter Abah, Mr. Yusuf Akahaka Iduh, Mr. Musa Balla, Matigo Oguche, Achema Joseph Akor Omale, and Luke Usman, of vandalizing properties and destroying farmlands in the community.
The Orinono Community Centre called on the IGP to investigate the alleged criminal activities, ensure justice is served, and safeguard the security and well-being of its members.
