Our Reporter
The Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) of the Nigeria Police has invited the founder of pharmaceutical retail firm Healthplus, Mrs. Olubukunola George, over a dispute with her foreign investment partner, Alta Semper Capital LLC UK.
George, according to the letter of invitation, is scheduled to appear at noon on Monday, October 12, 2020.
She is expected to be quizzed for alleged involvement in “Unlawful seizure, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and threat to life”.
The invitation letter dated October 8 and signed by Musa Adze, Commissioner of Police (Anti-Fraud), FCID, Abuja reads: “This office is investigating the above-mentioned case in which your name has featured prominently.
“In the light of the above, you are requested to interview the Commissioner of Police, Anti-Fraud Section, Force Criminal Investigations Department, Area 10, Abuja through ACP Elaigwu O. Gabriel.”
As of the time of filing this report, it was unclear if George had received the letter.
Police sources said the invitation arose from a petition by Alta Semper Capital with which George has been locked in a dispute for about a year.
Sources at the FCID said the foreign equity firm’s inability to take over the company, following its announcement of George’s sack as CEO on 25 September, forced it to adopt other measures.
It was alleged the foreign firm attempted to sack Prudential Guards Limited, the security firm hired by HealthPlus.
In a letter dated 28 September and signed by Afsane Jetha and Zachary Fond, both Alta Semper directors, the equity firm said it had terminated the contract of the security firm with immediate effect.
It ordered the firm to withdraw its personnel from HealthPlus premises as well as hand over the keys to Jetha and Fond.
READ ALSO: NASS seeks intervention in HealthPlus crisis
George responded to the letter by petitioning the Inspector-General of Police, alleging a threat to her life and HealthPlus properties.
It was gathered a team of policemen visited George’s office on Thursday while she was not on seat.
A HealthPlus source said she could have been arrested if she was in the office and wondered why the police were involved in a purely civil matter.
“This is a purely civil matter and it is surprising that the police, especially the anti-fraud unit, are interested.
“It is even worse that there is a pending injunction restraining our equity partners from what they are doing.
“They have disregarded the injunction. Hearing of the suit that led to the injunction is billed to resume on Monday. It is telling that the police want her to come on Monday.
“That they have ignored the pending injunction is also telling, as it suggests they have the backing of one or two influential Nigerians working against a Nigerian business,” he said.
George has retained control of the company because HealthPlus management maintained there is a pending Federal High Court motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction seeking to restrain the directors and shareholders from changing the leadership of the company.
Leave a Reply