The Arrest Of Quack Engineer Of A Collapse Building In Akwa Ibom State

The Arrest Of Quack Engineer Of A Collapse Building In Akwa Ibom State 

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested Felix Anietie Udoh, a quack engineer, who constructed a four-storey building that collapsed in September 2022. The collapse resulted in the death of one person and severe injuries to five others.

Felix Anietie Udoh, who was paraded by the police at the headquarters in Uyo, was among the 96 suspects arrested between July and August 2023.

The Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi, explained that the building collapse occurred on September 17, 2022, at No. 3 Iman Street, behind Zenith Bank, off Aka Road, Uyo. One person, Favour Chukwuemeka Okoro, lost their life, while five individuals were rescued.

Felix Anietie Udoh, the alleged site engineer from Felixzity High Technology Limited, had initially fled but was apprehended by the anti-robbery squad of the command on August 7, 2023. During interrogation, he confessed to not being an engineer but a builder.

According to the suspect, the construction began in 2020, and he had raised concerns about a waterlog in the compound that was affecting the foundation. He advised the building owner to sand-fill the area and concrete the compound to prevent further damage, but the owner refused, claiming it was not part of the contract agreement.

In 2021, when they reached the third decking, Felix Anietie Udoh again warned the owner about the weakening foundation caused by the water in the foundation. However, the owner insisted on addressing the issue after completing the construction. Unfortunately, the collapse occurred in 2022 when they were on the fourth floor.

The suspect stated that he continued with the work despite the warning signs because the building owner threatened to take severe action against him if he abandoned the project.

It is important to note that this information is based on the report provided by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and the statements made by the suspect during interrogation. Further investigations and legal proceedings will likely take place to determine the extent of the suspect's involvement and responsibility in the building collapse.