The Nation Newspaper

Category: Law

  • Abubakar hails Buhari on recession exit

    Abubakar hails Buhari on recession exit

    Bauchi State Governor Mo-hammed Abubakar has praised President Muham-madu Buhari for adopting “excellent economic measures” that got Nigeria out of recession.

    Speaking with newsmen after a special committee of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) visited the President, he said Buhari deserved commendation.

    A statement by his Special Assistant on Communications, Mr.   Shamsu-deen Abubakar, said the committee was led by NGF’s Chairman and Zamfara State Governor, Alh. Abdulaziz Yari.

    The eight governors thanked Mr. President for taking Nigeria out of its first recession in 25 years.

    Abubakar was quoted as saying: “Some of the key factors that helped in moving the country out of recession were the excellent economic palliative measures introduced by the President.”

    The  governors also thanked the President for providing bailout funds which helped the states to offset backlog of salaries inherited from past administrations.

    The Federal Government has given N1.75 trillion to states as extra-statutory allocation. Governor Yari said the states spent the money judiciously.

    The governors praised the President’s efforts in refunding the Paris Club funds to states – the first time any government would do so.

    The governors appealed to the President to come out with a time-table for the repayment of the remaining 50 per cent after reconciliation have been done between the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Debt Management Office (DMO) so that states can include the monies in their 2018 budget.

    Abubakar, who is Chairman, Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for the Anambra State  governorship election, attended  the flag-off of the party’s campaign.

    Vice- President Yemi Osinbajo, APC National Chairman Mr. John Odigie Oyegun and other party leaders were also at the event which saw thousands showing their support for the party and its flagbearer Mr. Tony Nwoye.

    Twelve governors, five deputy governors and 15 serving senators and ministers were also in attendance ahead of the November 18 election.

    Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (BSHCDA) has received a donation of 45 scanning machines for distribution to primary health centres (PHCs).

    The machines were donated to the BSPHCDA by a non-governmental Organisation (NGO) named GE Healthcare, supported by USAID, for distribution to the healthcare centres across the state to reduce pregnancy-related complications.

    They were presented to BSPHCDA by the state coordinator, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) in Bauchi State, Bashir Mai Dabino.

    Receiving the equipment, the Executive Secretary of the BSPHCDA, Adamu Gamawa praised the donors for the gesture.

  • Group to court: don’t entertain IGP’s suit against Senate

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been urged not to accord the right of audience to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris in respect of a fundamental rights enforcement he filed.

    The request is contained in a motion for joinder filed on October 17 by a rights advocacy group – Stand for Rights Initiative (SRI) – through its incorporated trustees.

    The motion seeks an order for leave making SRI a party to the suit.

    Idris, among others, is praying the court to restrain the Senate from proceeding with its planned probe of allegations of corrupt practices made against him by Senator Isah Misua from Bauchi State.

    The suit, with the Senate president and the Senate as respondents, has been assigned to Justice Peter Affen for hearing.

    SRI, in its motion filed by a group of lawyers led by Sunday Essienekak, said it intends to bring to the court’s attention why the IGP cannot seek to have the court protect his rights when he had allegedly violated Nigerians’ rights on several occasions without batting an eye.

    The group, which identified about eight judgments it had gotten against the IGP, the Police and its officials in relation to cases of rights abuses, wondered why the IGP would run to the same court for protection when he had consistently refused to obey court judgments.

    It urged the court to hold that the IGP, by his past conduct, was in contempt of court and as such, was not entitled to be heard.

    In a supporting affidavit deposed to by Essienekak, SRI gave details of the cases, and the sum awarded against the police. They include: Effiong Archibong v. AGF and others, (FCT/HC/1525/2016 in which the court gave a judgment of N15million against the police for unlawful detention of the plaintiff; Eyo Asibong v. IGP and another, FHC/ABJ/CS/538/2014 (N5m) and Fred Mathew v. IGP and 3 others, FCT/HC/CV/179/2013, N2m.

    Others are: Charles Iniegu v. IGP and another, FCT/HC/CV/874/2013, N1m; Ifeanyi Nwamary v. IGP and 3 others, FCT/HC/CV/M/180/2013, N2.5m; Omobukola Seun v. IGP and 3 others, FCT/HC/CV/M/2012, N500,000; Ubong Ezekiel Akpan v. Officer-in-Charge of SARS and 2 others, FCT/HC/CV/2364/2013, N500,000 and Titus Douglas v. IGP and 4 others, FCT/HC/CV/2012, N250,000

    The group said about N24,750,000 is being owed to the victims, adding that the IGP despite being aware of the judgments, has not obeyed any.

    SRI stated that by his failure to obey these judgments, the applicant/respondent has shown that he “is a perpetual abuser, violator and infringer of human rights of ordinary poor Nigerian citizens.

    “By his continued failure to obey  these judgments, the IGP is in contempt of this court. The IGP now wants this court to enforce his fundamental human rights, which he has refused to respect and has abused the rights of ordinary Nigerians in the cases above mentioned.

    “The applicant/respondent does not have the right of audience in a court he does not respect or obey its judgments,” the group said.

    The IGP, in his suit, stated that one Senator Misau, while raising matter of urgent national importance between September and October, 2017 accused him of mounting road blocks across Nigeria with the purpose of extorting money from unsuspecting motorists.

    He also stated that the said senator in the motion, also accused him of collecting illegal fees by way of security protection given to corporate organisations, eminent citizens and oil companies running into billions of naira.

    He further stated that Misau accused him of having “unwholesome relationship with female officers in the force.”

    The IGP alleged that the Senate President, “without having regard to the relevant constitutional requirements in respect of  the 2nd Respondent’s (Senate’s) role in the investigation of allegations, he (the Senate President), in reaction to these frivolous allegations, quickly constituted a committee consisting members of the 2nd Respondent to look into the matter.”

    He argued that if the respondents were not restrained, they would infringe on his rights should they investigate the allegations.

     

     

     

  • NBA section’s committee on insurance to engage stakeholders

    Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Business Law (SBL) Committee on Insurance and Pensions will hold a seminar on Thursday at the Metropolitan Club, 15, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, by 8am.

    Its theme is: Insurance penetration: The role of law and regulation.

    The seminar will cover topics such as: Insurance Law Practice: Beyond the Status Quo, Insurance Penetration: The role of Law and Regulation and Innovation, Law and Regulation in Insurance: Strange bedfellows?

    Chairman of the committee, Mr. Dominic Ichaba, said experts in law, insurance, regulation and innovation will address the issues.

    He said: “Laws and regulations on compulsory insurance and their enforcement are crucial to driving insurance growth and penetration.

    “Laws and regulations, which promote and encourage innovation in product and channel development, will go a long way in the growth of insurance in Nigeria.

    “The attitude of Insurance practitioners in leveraging the legal and regulatory framework to drive growth is equally essential.

    “Lawyers like many other professionals are interested in the opportunities available to them in the insurance industry.

    “While several opportunities exist currently in the insurance industry for in-house and external lawyers, growing the industry will provide more opportunities.”

    According to him, the Committee believes that the growth of Insurance promotes economic growth and vice versa, thereby increasing opportunities for lawyers.

    According to him, while several factors contribute to the growth of insurance, the committee is convinced that law and regulation play a significant role.

    Ichaba added that only who pre-registered for the non-paid event will attend.

  • Wanted: Constitutional roles for traditional rulers

    Wanted: Constitutional roles for traditional rulers

    Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) practitioners have brainstormed with traditional leaders on governance, reports JOSEPH JIBUEZE.

    What role should traditional institutions play in governance? What are the barriers to their effectiveness in national development?

    These were among issues discussed at a policy dialogue on Harmonising International and Traditional Conflict Resolution Mechanisms for Economic Recovery and Growth.Organised by the Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA), in partnership with the Centre for Public Policy Alternatives (CPP).

    Its theme was: Institutional evolution: Impact on the polity and growth of the Nigerian economy.

    In attendance were the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II (represented), and the Amadabo of Ada-Ama, Twon-Brass in Brass, Rivers State, Serena Dokubo-Spiff.

    The event brought together alternative dispute resolution (ADR) practitioners, legal experts, community rulers, and business executives.

    Also at the event were former Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Olasupo Shasore (SAN), Visiting Professor of Economics at the American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Prof Melvin Ayogu.

    Igwe Achebe said traditional rulers played important roles in dispute resolution and fostering peace, which he said were essential for socio-economic growth.

    He said there was a traditional court in the Southeast where people go to for resolution of disputes rather than going to the court.

    “I resolved a case that has lasted for 17 years in court. Generally speaking, our system is faster and more cost effective,” the Igwe said.

    He noted that the Supreme Court had upheld the traditional court’s decisions, but regretted that the traditional institution has no legal instrument to enforce its verdicts.

    Yet, he said people rarely flouted the judgments because of trust and respect for the traditional rulers.

    Sanusi, represented by the Sarkin Shanun of Kano, Alhaji Shehu Mohammed, said despite monarchs not being accorded recognition, they still commanded respect and enjoyed the people’s loyalty and trust.

    For instance, he said former President Olusegun Obasanjo sought Sarduana of Sokoto’s intervention to get northerners to embrace polio immunisation.

    The Emir said traditional institutions deserved constitutional recognition and roles.

    “The arguments for a constitutional provision to accommodate and provide such a space for the traditional institutions to operate within the existing democratic structures certainly have merit…it will be important to find ways in which local, state and Federal Governments can work more closely with them as ambassadors of peace,” Sanusi said.

    Dokubo-Spiff faulted the political class for whittling down the powers of traditional rulers and diminishing their authority.

    “Currently, the power and influence of traditional institutions have been greatly diminished; most traditional rulers have their existence at the pleasure of the prevailing authority,” he said.

    According to him, considering the enormous influence traditional rulers wield, the country would gain more by making better use of them.

    He said the ongoing constitutional amendment was an opportunity to accord recognition to the traditional institution.

    Dokubo-Spiff said: “It makes eminent sense that these structures and institutions be accorded their rightful place with their inclusion in the scheme of things.

    “Excluding them, jettisoning them, or minimising them in a way whatsoever must never be an option. That would be tantamount to the nation shooting itself in the foot.”

    LCA President Mr. Yemi Candide-Johnson (SAN) said the dialogue’s goal was “to illuminate the fundamental role of traditional institutions in governance and dispute resolution”.

    He noted that civil justice outside the courts was largely altered since about 1863 when the common law of England was “imposed”.

    However, Candide-Johnson said there was an effective dispute resolution system long before the common law was introduced.

    He quoted Sir Henry Morton Stanley (1841- 1904) in his work African Survey published in England, who said: “It would be a mistake to assume that primitive Africa made no provision for the decision of contentious issues.

    “There existed everywhere a recognised means of securing decisions on them, beginning with the arbitrations by family heads, or heads of kin-groups and ending with the more formal adjudication by a chief, or a chief and his council, or some forms of clan or tribal head…”.

    Candide-Johnson said the LCA  was established for the purpose of providing institutionalised arbitration and ADR services , and promoting dispute resolution as a key pillar of a safe and progressive business environment through advocacy, training and modelling of dispute resolution solutions for a range of commercial relationships.

    Shasore, also a former LCA president, said despite the position of the Constitution on traditional leadership (non-elected office holders), traditional rulers and their institutions had survived and thrived.

    “It’s because they are an integral part of our society, norms and belief system. There is a gap, a constitutional amendment that needs to be addressed if traditional institutions and their leaders are to fully occupy their place in developing Nigeria,” he said.

     

  • Osinbajo, Saraki , Kukah for public lecture/award

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) and Senate President Bukola Saraki are among dignitaries expected at a public lecture/awards by the Epiphany Azinge Foundation.

    It will hold on November 13 at the  Shehu Musa Yar’ardua Centre, Abuja.

    The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese,  Matthew Hassan Kukah, will speak on the theme: Nigeria in search of a detribalised race.

    Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi  Okowa, House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Senator Grace Bent, Prof. Anwalu Yadudu, former governors Peter Obi (Anambra) and Donald Duke (Cross River), Minister of Power, Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola (SAN), activist-lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal are among the expected guests.

    The event will be chaired by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Belgore.

     

  • ‘New wigs’ reward is in heaven’

    ‘New wigs’ reward is in heaven’

    Emmanuel Nwachukwu was called to the Bar in 2016. The 2015 University of Nigeria alumnus believes the legal profession is rigged against young lawyers.But he tells ROBERT EGBE that if they persevere, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

    The road to law I was born and bred in Enugu, the Coal City state. Studying law was not a childhood obsession like some of my colleagues would say. I had no lawyer in my life while growing up so the choice to be a lawyer was just a sudden instinct that snowballed into a passion. At secondary school, I was very good in the Arts especially government and literature. They were my best  subjects. So, while thinking about my course of study, I just wanted the best course an Art student could take up and that’s how law emerged. My family had reservations, basically due to the perception of lawyers. Maybe they thought a lawyer cannot in the true sense of the word be called a Christian. Now I don’t know what informed this opinion but that’s the situation at home. Convincing them was not difficult. They knew I was good in those subjects and their utopian idea of making a medical doctor out of me was murdered. During the holidays preceding my SS3 I would evade extramural classes to go to the state library where I buried myself in law textbooks. I would take note of new terms and their meanings. So, by the time I wanted to write my United Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), my mind was already made up. It was law or nothing.

    Call to Bar             

    My Call to Bar was hugely celebrated by friends and family. In fact, the celebration started on October 14, when I saw my Bar II result. It was a dream that had metamorphosed into reality. My mum and some relatives made it to Abuja to witness the call.We had a thanksgiving service at my local parish and a follow up reception. None of my relatives was a lawyer; I am the only one in our extended family.

    ‘I enjoyed law school to the fullest’

    Law  School was fun, hectic and madly refreshing. The bulk of the work really stressed the hell out of us. What made it easy were the goals I had and the friends I made. The fees and expenditures were more than a motivation to me. Seeing the scheme of work can make you lose consciousness, but every day at it made the seemingly endless ocean a walk in the park. I had time for church, early morning jogging, occasional football games and networking. I enjoyed myself to the fullest in the positive way though.

    The whole place was heating up with intellectual freaks burning down the building with their overly charged brain cells.

    Law school was the busiest part of my life; now, each day I wake up and realise how much I miss it. This was the only chance I got to see a working system in Nigeria. I never knew I could witness such citadel of learning in Nigeria. It wiped away every notion I had about this country. I learnt that everything in Nigeria can work if the right mechanism is put on ground. If all the systems in Nigeria could work half the way law school is run we would be competing with China.

    Young lawyers’ reward

    Talking about my first legal fee, well as a new wig and a public servant at that no figure readily comes to mind because we work for the people and I will probably say that our reward is in heaven. The new wig is seen as highly inexperienced by the general public and even if you are asked to draft a little document that you could draft in your sleep, your competence will still be questioned. This has been a challenge. So, time after time you are expected to prove yourself. Like the proverbial Thomas the society will not believe unless they see.

    Relationship with principal

    I have had the opportunity to work with a very good principal. He teaches me and nurtures my legal mind in the friendliest way and I will proudly say that I have not been subjected to any degrading treatment. Though the cash is not coming in, and if that is the only complaint my fellow green wigs are making, I will agree with them.

    Marrying a lawyer

    I am single and talking about getting married to a lawyer, my prior version will frown at that but I am now open to the idea. I have come to understand that sometimes non-lawyers just don’t get us. They tend to see us as judgmental, argumentative and talkative. So, chatting with a non-lawyer most times end with this statement.”You are saying this because you are a lawyer, why should I argue with you?After all; lawyers are liars.” So, I have no problem marrying a lawyer.

    Most embarrassing day in court

    After conducting my examination in chief one day, I asked that the witness be discharged. I didn’t give room for cross-examination. The counsel on the other side jokingly asked the court whether I was foreclosing his right to cross examine the witness. Everybody laughed, but then they knew I was a new wig and my sin was forgiven.

    ‘Law profession rigged against young lawyers’

    The challenge most new wigs have is totally on financial motivation, with the way the law profession seems to be rigged against young lawyers.We are tasked with learning the ropes while not being offered even ‘cold water’ as motivation. Our pay,from most firms,is ridiculous. So, I think young lawyers should venture into entrepreneurship,maybe a little business or other ingenious ideas on wealth creation. The Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners says no to this, but it does not prohibit you from owning a business, it only curtails your participation in the management. To survive in this cut throat profession I urge new wigs to be creative. They can write or do anything. They must never depend on diabetic salaries.

    The future

    I don’t see myself being the regular attorney you will see flirting with courts and cases. Corporate practice is more like it. Hence I will specialise in Intellectual Property Law and Media Law. Everything entrepreneurship makes me tick. I have an insatiable appetite for real estates and then my first love is writing. Above all, I will offer myself to the service of my country at the appropriate time.

    To my fellow young lawyers,you are not in this alone. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I believe the sufferings of the present cannot be compared with the glories to come.

     

     

     

     

  • Ortom inaugurates anti-open grazing advisory committee

    Ortom inaugurates anti-open grazing advisory committee

    Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has inaugurated an advisory committee on the implementation of the anti-open grazing law.

    He appealled to herdsmen to cooperate to ensure successful implementation of the law.

    He spoke at the weekend while inaugurating the committee at the Banquet Hall of the Benue Peoples House in Makurdi.

    Ortom said the November 1 deadline set for the law’s implementation remained sacrosanct.

    He urged the herdsmen to assist in preventing those who come from other places during the dry season from entering the state.

    The goveror, in a statement by his Special Assistant Media and ICT, Mr. Tahav Agerzua, insisted that the law remained the only solution to the incessant clashes between farmers and herdsmen. He reiterated the determination of his administration to implement it.

    He charged the state advisory committee to scrutinise members at the local government levels with a view to removing those with questionable character and to work closely with the Livestock Guard earlier inaugurated to ensure the success of the implementation.

    Responding, Chairman of the Committee, Colonel Edwin Jando, (rtd), said the committee would liaise with those at the local government level to get the people acquainted with the law.

    He said in preparation for the implementation of the law, six pilot ranches would be established across the state and provided with necessary infrastructure  and social amenities as well as police posts where herdsmen who flout the law will be kept with their cattle.

    Those who attended the meeting include  the 23 council chairmen, traditional rulers, Fulani leaders, farmers, Livestock Guards, Civilian Joint Task Force, security agencies as well as members of the state security and executive councils.

    The eight-member committee includes council chairmen, chairmen of local government traditional councils, representatives of farmers and livestock owners, that of state community volunteer guards, Divisional Police Officers, representative of the Nigerian Bar Association and Head of Personnel Administration of the local government as secretary.

     

  • Nkerehi, Umuchukwu dispute for ADR

    Nkerehi, Umuchukwu dispute for ADR

    Anambra State Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi has approved an enlarged Alternative Dispute Resolution ( ADR) committee to mediate the dispute between Nkerehi and Umuchukwu over the town’s name.

    The change of the town’s name from Nkerehi to Umuchukwu was not supported by all of its residents, resulting in litigation.

    The court case  stalled the inauguration of a state high court built by an indigene of the town, hence, the setting up of the ADR Committee by the Chief Judge.

    In a statement, Anambra Judiciary Chief Registrar Mr. Lawrence Uzuodu, said: “This is a follow up to an earlier committee put in place on  July 25, during a meeting between the Chief Judge of Anambra State,  Justice Peter Umeadi with the chairmen and secretaries of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)  branches in Anambra State, aimed at finding  a lasting solution to the impasse.

    “The committee, which has a three-point term of reference, shall invite all legal practitioners in all the suits which they discover pertains to the debacle.

    “The committee, which is to submit its report to the Chief Registrar, within 30 days from the date of its inaugural sitting, would conduct its proceedings within the premises of Aguata Judicial division.

    The sitting place shall be open and accessible to the public.”

    The 14-member committee has a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Clifford Okoye, as chairman, and Mr. Uche Aguoluas as  Secretary.

    Other members are: Chief Ikenna Egbuna (SAN); Chief Chris Ogom-Adimora; Chief S.U.S Mbanaso; Prof. Ogugua Ikpeze; Chief E.E Egbunonu; Ben Okoko; Chuka Obele Chuka; Chief S.U Anyia; Chineze Obiano; Mrs Helen Obi; Adaobinna Edozie and Deputy Chief Registrar (Special Duties) Chinelo Peters.

     

  • Ex-NIALS DG: de-emphasise state of origin, indigeneship

    A former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN), has urged the National Assembly to expunge laws that divide Nigerians on the basis of state of origin or indigene.

    According to him, Nigeria is at a critical stage in its evolution and must protect itself against hate speeches, militancy and separatist movements threatening its existence.

    He spoke in Abuja at the weekend, while announcing plans for the November 13 launch of his foundation  at the ShehuYar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

    The foundation, he noted, will promote the stability, peace and unity of the country through ideas and policies that de-emphasise nepotism, tribalism and ethnicism.

    Azinge suggested that the country would become better integrated by eradicating laws that do little to unify Nigerians.

    The launch, he said, will feature the presentation of some law publications and awards to detribalised Nigerians, whose actions help to promote the country’s unity.

    Azinge, who recalled his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year in Maiduguri, Borno State, said the level of distrust among Nigerians was higher than ever.

    He called for deliberate measures by political leaders, to encourage inclusiveness.

    He said: “It is the position of our foundation that all these are indicative of the fact that we are still holding on to some of the primordial sentiments of tribalism, ethnicity, amongst others.

    “There was a time was when the fear was religious bigotry and related issues. Now it is: ‘where are you from? Who are you?, amongst others.

    “We should be thinking seriously about amending our Constitution so that we should deemphasise the state of origin aspect of it.

    “And the issue of citizenship in Nigeria should be so centralised in such a way that indigeneity will take a back seat. We have to promote citizenship, truly from the national perspective.”

    Azinge said if the country is able to do that, “it will help us a lot in achieving national integration that is centered on detribalisation. Constitutionally, these are things we need to be thinking of.

    “The idea of residency permit should be abolished. Once you have lived in a part of the country for a certain number of years, you should not be asked again to identify where you belong.”

    He warned that “Once we keep accepting some of those divisive things, even constitutionally and legally, then we will find out that we can never get out of this quagmire.

    “But, again, our people should be open-minded enough to know that we are all one. It is the same blood. What we are doing to ourselves is not different from where blacks are suffering from racism in those part of the world where such is still practiced.

    “So, if we say no to racism, we should also say no to tribalism. That is the truth of the matter. Anybody, who can say no to racism, must say no to tribalism”.

     

  • Lawyer accuses police of frustrating court order

    Lagos lawyer, Kayode Fasetire, has accused the police of preventing the execution of a court order.

    Fasetire appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to call the concerned individuals to order.

    Fasetire, who is counsel to Redorn Realtors Limited, told journalists that his client obtained a court order for the possession of a property located at 31a & b, Gafar Animashaun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    He claimed that since the firm took possession, some mobile policemen have been trying to illegally reinstate the former owner into the property.

    Fasetire said his client bought the said property from Sterling Bank Plc in 2015, but that all efforts to gain entry into the property has been continuously frustrated by the police “on the orders of someone within the top echelons of the police force”.

    He explained that the former owners of the property, Tonique Oil Services Limited, lost its ownership after failing to pay back a N2billion loan facility it secured from Sterling Bank Plc.

    He said his client subsequently decided to buy the said property, which was on sale from Sterling Bank Plc at a cost agreed by both parties.

    Fasetire further noted that his client duly obtained a court order from a Lagos Magistrate’s Court for possession of the property, which was served on the occupant.

    He said: “On August 18, we took possession of the property only for the Managing Director of Tonique Oil Service Limited, Tony Adejuigbe, to storm the property three days later with some policemen and some persons suspected to be thugs.

    “We reported the matter to Maroko Police Station and he was subsequently arrested, but later released on bail.

    “We were shocked when on Friday another set of Mobile police officers again stormed the property. We have been unable to know who sent them and what their mission is on the property. But we believe someone high up in the police is using them to undermine the court orders.

    “Currently, some guards, who were mandated to secure the building by my client are being held hostage by the mobile policemen stationed in the building.”

    He urged the IGP to investigate the matter to aviod a break down of law and order.