By Karen James
The Founder of the United Business Women Association (UBWA), Chief Ambassador Nkiruka Duru, has strongly denied allegations that she diverted ₦200 million meant for land investment, calling the claims baseless and a smear campaign orchestrated by detractors.
Speaking at the UBWA Secretariat in Onitsha, Anambra State, Amb. Duru expressed disappointment over the misinformation circulating online, attributing the controversy to the late Uju Ezeobi, a woman who falsely posed as a lawyer and allegedly mismanaged UBWA funds before her demise.
Amb. Duru explained that UBWA, a registered NGO founded in February 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, sought to improve the lives of widows and underprivileged women across Nigeria. In 2021, the organization ventured into land acquisition to provide its members with a communal estate.
According to her, the UBWA team negotiated a land deal in Achalla, Awka North LGA, through a realtor, Mr. Okechukwu Okoye, who claimed to represent the community. The land was sold at ₦200,000 per plot, with UBWA members paying ₦250,000 and non-members ₦300,000.
However, trouble began when UBWA discovered that after paying Mr. Okoye ₦101 million, the Achalla community denied them access to the land, claiming they had not received any payment. Investigations later revealed that Mr. Okoye had allegedly misappropriated the funds.
Amb. Duru recounted that the late Uju Ezeobi joined UBWA in 2021, falsely presenting herself as a barrister. She played a key role in the land transactions, overseeing payments and legal documentation. However, she allegedly exploited her position for personal gain.
Duru revealed that Ezeobi misled members by overcharging for land and diverting funds. In one instance, she allegedly raised the price per plot from ₦360,000 to ₦520,000 without authorization and siphoned the excess payments. When confronted, she refused to provide an account of the funds.
“She removed my name as a signatory to the land documents and the bank account, forged my sister’s signature, and opened a separate account under the name Sonia Global, where she funneled UBWA funds,” Duru stated.
When questioned by the police, Ezeobi admitted she was not a lawyer, contradicting her long-standing claims. Legal battles ensued, with UBWA filing petitions against her at the Central Police Station Onitsha, Zone 13 Ukpo, and the Inspector General of Police.
According to Amb. Duru, despite multiple attempts by authorities to mediate, Ezeobi remained uncooperative. She allegedly used police influence to freeze Duru’s bank accounts while acquiring properties in her own name.
Regarding Ezeobi’s death, the Zone 13 Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Inuwo, confirmed that she had been granted bail and did not die in police custody.
Amb. Duru urged the public to disregard the misinformation surrounding the case and reaffirmed UBWA’s commitment to transparency and women’s empowerment.
“I will not allow falsehood to tarnish my name. The truth will prevail, and justice will be served,” she asserted.
