Police in Rivers State, Nigeria, have arrested a Ghanaian national, Samuel Frimpong, for allegedly removing the roof of his tenant’s apartment following a tenancy dispute.
The incident reportedly occurred on February 3, 2026, at the residence of the tenant, Anozie Tochukwu, who lives in the apartment with his pregnant wife and two children.
According to Tochukwu, he moved into the apartment in January 2024 and had consistently paid his rent. He said problems began in the last quarter of 2025 when Frimpong served him with a notice to vacate, explaining that he intended to renovate the property and directing him to hand over the keys by the end of January 2026.
Tochukwu explained that on February 1, he met with his landlord and pleaded for an extension until February 14 to allow him time to complete arrangements to relocate. He said he showed Frimpong proof of payment for a new apartment he had secured, believing the matter had been amicably resolved.
However, he said he was shocked when, two days later, the landlord allegedly arrived at the premises and began removing the roof of the apartment while his family was still inside.
Shortly after the roof was removed, a heavy rainfall reportedly destroyed most of the family’s belongings.
Tochukwu estimated his losses at about ₦25 million, listing damaged items to include household furniture, electronic appliances, official documents such as degree and NYSC certificates, professional credentials, clothing, food items, baby and pregnancy medications, and savings accumulated over several months.
He further alleged that some items, including a ceiling fan and his savings box, went missing during the incident.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to the arrest of Frimpong on Wednesday, February 3.
Confirming the arrest, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the suspect is currently in police custody and investigations are ongoing.
