The Nation Newspaper

Tag: property

  • SSS wades into Yari’s Abuja property deal

    The State Security Service (SSS) has waded into the dispute between the Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari and a private corporate body, Nestello Gateways Group, over the ownership of an Abuja property.

    The governor is contesting the ownership of the property, which he claimed was sold to him for N200 million in 2010 by a former employee of Nestello Group, Mr. Obinna Kanu, who is on the run.

    The SSS on Monday invited one of the directors of Nestello Group, Mr. Mike Mbanefo, for clarification on certain issues raised in an earlier petition to the agency.

    Mbanefo, who confirmed the invitation to our correspondent yesterday, said he honoured the invitation by the SSS over the petition and was engaged by the legal department of the SSS for about six hours.

    He said: “The SSS operatives were very polite in their approach. From my discussions with them, I found out that they have worked on the petition we submitted to them.

    “I am happy to tell you that my discussion with them was meaningful because after the discussion, they accompanied me to the property to see things for themselves.”

    Justice Jude Okeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in June 2010 ruled that the property, located at 1, Fatai Williams Street, Asokoro, Abuja, be returned to Nestello Group.

    In Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/486/10, Justice Okeke ordered the eviction of Governor Yari from the property. The judge also ordered the governor to pay accumulated rent arrears running into millions of naira.

    The eviction order was executed on May 8 last year, but the governor found his way into the property the next day with his seized personal effects returned to him.

    The court issued a second and third eviction order on the same property, but execution of the order was resisted by armed policemen, ostensibly on the order of the governor.

    Members of the judgment enforcement team from the court reported that they were harassed and manhandled by armed policemen when they went to execute the last eviction order on October 15 last year.

    A report by the leader of the enforcement team, Mallam Abubakar Karofi, dated October 16, 2012 said the policemen had threatened to shoot the officials for attempting to carry out the eviction.

    The report stated inter alia: “Upon our arrival at the residence, we met about eight people, who unknown to us, were mobile policemen, supposedly stationed on the premises.

    “We introduced ourselves and told them our intention, but to our surprise, they said ‘NO’.They said nothing would be enforced; they quickly went inside the house and appeared fully dressed in their mobile police uniform, carrying guns.

    “They stood between us and the building. At that juncture, I called the Director of Litigation, while they also made a few calls.

    “From their conversations, I got a hint that they were given an order not to allow us carry out the enforcement, which was clear from their action; guns were cocked and pointed at us with a threat of being shot if we tried anything.”

    Obviously miffed by the action of the policemen, owners of the property had petitioned the SSS and the National Judicial Council (NJC), accusing certain top officials of the court of complicity in the matter.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Bianca’s children sue Ojukwu’s firm, others for Lagos property

    Bianca’s children sue Ojukwu’s firm, others for Lagos property

    Two children of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu– Afamefuna and Nwachukwu– have sued a company, Ojukwu Transport Limited, and seven others over some property located in Ikoyi and Yaba, Lagos Mainland.

    The claimants, who are infants, are suing through their mother and “next friend” Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

    The suit is before the Head Judge, Justice Funmilayo Atilade, of the Lagos State High Court, Igbosere.

    The other defendants are Prof Joseph Ojukwu, Engr Emmanuel Ojukwu, Lotanna Putalora Ojukwu, Dr Patrick Ojukwu, Arc Edward Ojukwu, Lota Akajiora Ojukwu and Mrs Massey Udegbe (doing business under Massey Udegbe & Company).

    The claimants sought a declaration that they are entitled to the possession and occupation of a property located on 29 Oyinkan Abayomi Drive (formerly Queens Drive), Ikoyi until the harmonisation of the management and administration of the first defendant’s assets.

    They also asked the court to declare that the threat to forcefully eject them from 29, Oyikan Abayomi Street, Ikoyi, by the defendants is illegal.

    The children urged the court to hold that they are entitled to the possession of the properties on 13, Hawksworth Road, Ikoyi (now 13, Ojora Road, Ikoyi), 32A Commercial Avenue, Yaba, 30, Gerard Road, Ikoyi, and 4, Macpherson Avenue, Ikoyi.

    They claimed that the houses were in the possession of their father from the time the properties were released from government acquisition till date.

    The claimants prayed for an order restraining the defendants either by themselves or through their agents or privies from interfering with their possession and control of 29, Oyinkan Abayomi Street, Ikoyi.

    They also urged the court to stop the defendants from interfering with their possession of the other properties.

    The claimants stated that throughout the period their father was struggling to retrieve the properties from the government, the second to seventh defendants “never played any role in the struggle nor contributed financially or otherwise to the realisation of the struggle.”

    They said while Ojukwu was alive, he lived with his household at 29, Oyikan Abayomi Drive and was in “exclusive possession” of the other houses which form the subject of the suit.

    But the defendants denied the claims, saying the children are neither directors nor creditors of Ojukwu Transport and therefore have no locus (legal right) to question the company’s activities.

    The defendants said at no point did they attempt to forcibly take possession of 29, Oyikan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi.

    “The property belongs to the first defendant (the company). The fact is that the claimants’ mother, being greedy, felt she could hold onto the first defendant’s properties.

    “For over 12 years prior to his death, the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu moved to Enugu and since then had not lived at the first defendant’s property as alleged by the claimants.

    “The property became dilapidated and in a state of disrepair.

    “The first defendant challenges the claimants to show proof of any such agreement which their late father had from the first defendant for him to control and/or manage the properties of the first defendant.”

    When the case came up yesterday, counsel to the claimants, Nick Omeye, said the first to seventh defendants had served him with their statements of defence.

    The eight defendant’s lawyer, he added, served him with a memorandum of appearance yesterday morning.

    The eighth defendant’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Okumah, asked for a little time to file the statement of defence.

    The court granted him 14 days to do so.

    Counsel to first to seventh defendants George Uwechue (SAN) informed the court that he had filed a counter-affidavit and an affidavit of compliance in response to the claimants’ processes.

    Justice Atilade, who granted a prayer for extension of time, adjourned till March 19.

     

  • AMCON warns public over Babalakin’s property

    •Businessman accuses corporation of withdrawing suit

    The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) yesterday insisted it had taken an order to take possession of two properties linked with businessman-lawyer, Wale Babalakin pursuant to the order made by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, Lagos in suit no: FHC/L/CS/1501/12.

    The corporation said the properties located on 43A Afribank Street Victoria Island, Lagos and Plot 270 Trans Amadi Layout, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State were pledged as collateral to the loans granted to Roygate Properties Limited – a company in which Babalakin is believed to have interest.

    Babalakin has however, denied the corporation’s claim. He equally alleged in a statement yesterday that AMCON had withdrawn its case relating to the dispute between them, a claim the corporation’s Managing Director, Mustafa Chike-Obi denied last night.

    In an advertorial titled – “Caveat emptor: Recovery of properties and assets,” AMCON warned the general public against dealing with Babalakin and his companies in relation to the affected properties.

    “Property at 43A Afribank Street Victoria Island Lagos, pursuant to a tripartite legal Mortgage registered on 14 October 2010, between Roygate Properties Limited (Borrower), Stabilini Visinoni Limited (Surety/Mortgagor) and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (The Lender).

    “Property at Plot 270, Trans Amadi Layout, Port Harcourt, Rivers State pursuant to a Tripartite equitable mortgage between Roygate Properties Limited (Borrower), Homan Engineering Company Limited (Surety/Mortgagor) and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc(Mortgagee).

    “The general public is hereby notified not to deal or have further dealings with Roygate Properties Limited, Stabilini Visinoni Limited, Homan Engineering Company Limited and Dr. Bolanle Olawale Babalakin SAN in respect of the properties and assets,” AMCON said.

    But Babalakin’s spokesman, Dipo Kehinde described the alleged sudden withdrawal of a suit by AMCON as “treacherous.”

    Kehinde said: “Consistent with this allegation and immediately after Dr. Babalakin’s statement to the press, AMCON hurriedly withdrew the case that had been instituted by its alleged predecessors-in-title – Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (“GTB”).

    “GTB had stated on oath that it had sold the property in dispute to a third party, R.E.D. Company Limited, prior to the assignment of the alleged debt to AMCON. This purported sale of the property is being contested at the High Court of Lagos State in proceedings, which are still pending. GTB could therefore not have transferred its disputed interest in the property to AMCON. Consequently, AMCON had no interest to enforce in the property.

    “The import of the existence of GTB’s suit is that AMCON, through its agents, knew that the subject-matter of the ex-parte order (No. 43A Churchgate Street) it sought and obtained in the Federal High Court was already an issue before the Lagos High Court and had allegedly been sold by its so-called predecessor-in-title. AMCON’s action at the Federal High Court was therefore fraudulent and amounted to a gross abuse of the process of Court.

    “It is also noteworthy that these facts support the stance of Dr. B. O. Babalakin that the property was never mortgaged to GTB in the first instance. Babalakin’s consistent assertion that AMCON and its alleged predecessor-in-title were engaged in misleading the public over the status of the building now appears to be confirmed.”

    Reaction to Babalakin’s claim that AMCON had withdrawn its suit, Chike-Obi said : “It is not true that the case was withdrawn. We will pursue this matter as vigorously as the law allows us. And we will ensure that the he pays all the money he owes us.”

     

  • ‘I ‘ve no hand in property demolition’

    ‘I ‘ve no hand in property demolition’

    The Ojora of Ijora, Lagos State, Oba Abdulfatai Aromire, has denied demolishing a building belonging to Chief Fasasi Olorunlogbon on Alhaji Adebowale Street, Orile-Iganmu.

    It was reported that the property, a subject of litigation, was pulled down on January 24 by some men suspected to be working for the monarch.

    In a statement, Aromire said there was no subsisting suit between him and Olorunlogbon over any property in Iganmu or any other place, adding that he never sponsored such demolition.

    “For the purpose of emphasis, I did not authorise the demolition of any property belonging to Chief Olorunlogbon and I do not have any subsisting suit over any property with him in any court.

    “I also do not have any contest over the Alhaji Adebowale Street, Orile-Iganmu property with him, any group or individual. Therefore, I could not have sponsored a demolition where I do not have any interest, whether in contest or not.”

  • AMCON takes possession of Babalakin’s property

    AMCON takes possession of Babalakin’s property

    •Over alleged N13.5b debt

    A detachment of armed policemen and bailiffs of the Federal High Court, Lagos on Friday evening, took possession of and sealed off a high rise building on 43A, Afribank Street, Victoria Island, Lagos owned by businessman-lawyer, Wale Babalakin.

    Their action according to a statement from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), was in execution of interim orders granted by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke against Roygate Properties Limited, believed to be owned by Babalakin.

    The orders were sequel to an ex-parte application filed by the AMCON in a suit marked: FHC/L/CS/1501/2012. Copies of the orders made on February 5 were conspicuously pasted on the gates of the VI house.

    Justice Aneke granted AMCON “interim possession of the property at 43A” Afribank Street, pursuant to a tripartite legal mortgage registered on October 14, 2010 between Roygate (the borrower) , Stabilini Visioni Limited (surety/mortgagor) and Guaranty Trust Bank (the lender.)

    The court also granted AMCON similar possession over properties at Plots 270 and 273 Trans Amadi Layout, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The court restrained Roygate, its directors, subsidiaries and sister companies from transferring or dealing with any of its funds in 20 banks listed in the application, or anywhere else up to the N13.5billion allegedly owed by the company.

    Justice Aneke restrained the banks from allowing Roygate “operate any bank accounts” held by it in the banks.

    The court ordered the banks to serve on AMCON lawyers, within seven days of the service of the order on them, “an affidavit disclosing the respondent’s (Roygate’s) balance on accounts held with the said banks jointly and severally as at the date of the order.”

    Justice Aneke also ordered the Nigeria Police Force to assist in the enforcement of the orders, which he held, should subsist pending the determination of the substantive suit.

    The Hon. Justices Aneke set Feb 19 2013 as the return date’

    Just few months ago, similar order was given to AMCON to take possession of some property and assets owned by one of its debtors, Tonique Oil Services Limited.

    The Corporation executed the said orders on Tonique Oil’s premises in Ikoyi and Gbagada, Lagos state with the assistance of law enforcement agents, lawyers and court bailiffs.

    AMCON had previously reiterated its commitment to ensure the resolution of all Non-Performing Loans purchased in accordance with the AMCON Act.

     

  • Court extends forfeiture order on Sylva’s property

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said a Federal High Court, Abuja, has granted its application to extend the forfeiture order on the ‘48 mansions’ traced to former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva.

    It claimed that the initial order, which was granted on December 21, was to last for 14 days.

    Besides, the EFCC urged the Federal High Court to reject Sylva’s application seeking a dismissal of a six-count charge against him by the anti-graft agency.

    A statement by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity Wilson Uwujaren said the extension of the forfeiture order was necessary to protect the assets.

    The statement said: “Justice A.R. Muhammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja yesterday granted EFCC’s application for an extension of the interim order of attachment granted it to take possession of 48 property of Timipre Sylva.

    “The initial order granted on December 21 was for 14 days. However, before the expiration of the order, EFCC, through its lawyer, Festus Keyamo, applied for an extension.

    “Keyamo told the court that the extension was imperative for the determination of all applications and the safety of the attached property.

    “However, the respondent’s counsel, Benson Ibezim, urged the court to vacate the order because it was an ex-parte order and that his client is challenging the competence of the court to entertain the case.

    “Justice Muhammed averred that aside the fact that the applicant (EFCC) had applied for the extension of the order before the expiration of the subsisting one, he was granting the extension because the order was the crux of the matter.”

    The statement quoted Justice Muhammed as saying: “If I do not do so, the question would be why and what are we coming here to deliberate on next time.

    “The order of December 21 is the main crux of this matter, the court must order for its existence to enable the respondent to be heard.”

    He thereafter adjourned the case till January 24.

    “In a related development, the EFCC has urged a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja and presided over by Justice Adamu Bello to strike out the application brought by Sylva seeking to dismiss the six-count charge preferred against him.

    “The matter borders on misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N6billion during his tenure.

    “Sylva, in the application filed on June 27, last year, contends that the proof of evidence does not support the charge against him.

    “At the resumed hearing yesterday, Keyamo posed two questions for determination by the court.

    The statement quoted Keyamo’s submission as follows: “This whole object falls on one major question which is whether looking at the prosecution’s proof of evidence attached to the charge it is precluded from giving any further evidence during trial.

    “If the answer is ‘no’, by the provision of Section 33 of the Federal High Court Act, then we are allowed not to exhaust it.

    “If the court rules against us now, it means the court has come to a conclusion that whatever we have attached to the charge is all that we intend to give in the trial and there is no such indication anywhere.”

    “Earlier, the defence counsel, led by Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the application was brought because the accused believed there is a defect in the proof of evidence.

    “He said it was lame reasoning to say that further documents or statements would come later as the prosecution was expected to bring all the proofs that should reasonably establish a prima facie case against the accused.

    “The case has been adjourned till February 20.”

     

  • Party petitions police, SSS, over ‘destruction’ of property

    The Kwara State Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has decried the alleged destruction of its property in Ilorin, the state capital, by suspected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thugs.

    It has petitioned Police Commissioner Chinwike Asadu and the Directorate of the State Security Service (SSS) for action.

    In the petition jointly signed by the state’s chairman and spokesperson of the CPC, Alhaji Suleiman Buhari and Obasanjo Alashi, the party urged security agents to find the perpetrators of the alleged destruction and invasion of the party’s property.

    The letter reads: “We, the undersigned, on behalf of the teeming members of the Kwara State CPC, wish to alert the public on the willful, wanton, unprovoked and malicious destruction of the property belonging to the state CPC by a gang of thugs, who invaded the party’s proposed office complex on or about 7pm on Sunday, January 6, 2013.

    “The arsonists, who were said to be chanting PDP victory songs, overran the premises of the office complex located at Okekere, Ilorin, in two different cars and carted away a gigantic party signpost that was positioned strategically in front of the building as a prelude for commissioning as our party office in the area.

    “We believe that a swift and decisive response of the Nigerian security agencies will not only stem the tide of political violence, aggression and hooliganism, which are fast enveloping the metropolis, but also send a strong signal to other social misfits who may harbour similar tendencies.”

    Buhari said the CPC was planning to fuse with other opposition parties to win majority of the local governments in the council poll that will hold later in the year.

    The party chairman said the victory would be replicated in the 2015 election.

    According to him, this will sound the death knell for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    He stressed that the CPC was working tirelessly to wrestle power from the PDP.

    According to him, going into election separately will be a setback for the opposition because the “PDP has all the capacities to win election”.

    Buhari added: “But we are trying to merge with ACN (Action Congress of Nigeria), ANPP (All Nigeria Peoples Party) and other parties to take a collective decision on the forthcoming local government election. This is because we believe going into the election differently will cause a setback for us.”

    To give fillip to the impending fusion, he explained that the CPC would support the ACN in its stronghold just as similar support would be reciprocated by the ACN in areas where the CPC is fully on ground.

    The target of the CPC, he stressed, was to capture at least 12 out of the 16 local governments in the state, adding, “It is going to be difficult to win all”.

    He said especially with the death of the strongman of Kwara politics, Dr. Olusola Saraki, the CPC and other opposition parties are ready “to face Bukola now and we know where we can capture him.

     

  • EFCC grills ex-Kogi Governor Idris over choice property

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, for allegedly buying 10 luxurious property, including six choice hotels, in Abuja when in office.

    The property were acquired at home and abroad by the governor during his tenure.

    The commission confirmed that it preliminarily quizzed the ex-governor for six hours last Wednesday.

    But the former governor, who is currently on administrative bail, might face another round of grilling next month.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We got many petitions against Idris since he left office and as a responsible commission, we cannot be blind to the allegations.

    “Most of these petitions accused the ex-governor of acquiring choice property with public funds during his two-term tenure.

    “One of the petitioners is a former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dino Melaye, who led a group of anti-corruption protesters to the EFCC to back up the complaints against Idris, and his group demanded the probe of Idris’ income and expenditures between May 29, 2003 and January 27, 2012.

    “Dino group said a thorough investigation of the ex-governor would enable the anti-graft commission “understand the crude accumulation of wealth and property by Idris beyond his combined emoluments, salaries and allowances for the period he ruled as a governor.”

    “Based on these allegations, the former governor was invited and grilled for six hours on his massive investment in real estate while in office. The acquired estate comprised 10 luxury property and a hotel chain.

    “We are investigating him for allegedly buying some choice property such as Gubabi Royal Hotel, Dreamland Suites, Summerset Hotel, Palmac Hotel, Executive Suite and Grand Ibro Hotel.

    “Other property being traced to the ex-governor are a mansion in Lokoja, a property in Area 8 Abuja, a mansion in Idah, Kogi State.

    “We are looking at the assets declaration forms of the former governor to determine the source of the funds he used in acquiring the property.”

    Answering a question, the source said: “The ex-governor made useful statement to a team of investigators which grilled him last Wednesday. All I can tell you is that his statement will assist the ongoing investigation of the allegations against him.

    “So far, there is possibility that we might invite him in January for more interrogation.”

    The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the quizzing of Idris, but he declined further comments. He said: “I can confirm that we interacted with ex-Governor Idris.”

  • I thought pipelines are no man’s property, says suspected vandal

    A suspected female pipeline vandal, yesterday explained why she was into the illicit business.

    Jelilat Olalekan said she decided to embrace crime because fuel belongs to the government and not an individual.

    Mrs. Olalekan was arrested alongside four others, Muritala Kareem, Musiliru Ashiri, Ahmed Lamidi, and Elizabeth Folorunsho by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism Unit, Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos.

    They were seized on December 5, by the operatives on patrol along Konu village in Ikorodu, a suburb of the state.

    Mrs. Olalekan said: “I am a business-woman and no one will get an offer to make hundred percent gain that would not rush into such business. My only mistake was that I failed to investigate the source before venturing into the business.

    “When I discovered that the fule is coming from the NNPC pipeline, I decided to continue since its government’s money. I am truly sorry, if I can be forgiven, I will not repeat it again.”

    The policemen also impounded one DAF truck with registration number XA813JND containing 100 gallons of 50 litres of PMS.

    The suspects were allegedly on their way to dispose of the stolen product when they were arrested.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Friday Ibadin, who is in charge of the Task Force, confirmed the arrest.

    He said the Taskforce is determined to reduce vandals’ activities to the barest.

    According to him, it was due to the rate at which vandals siphon petroleum products from Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipelines that informed his decision to double surveillance in target areas.

    He said: “It was during our regular patrol on December 5, that we ran into these suspected vandals.

    “We are determined with the help of the communities where these pipelines are buried to curb the activities of these vandals. Meanwhile, I wish to urge Nigerians to desist from patronising these vandals. Anyone caught buying the product would be regarded as an accomplice,” Ibadin said.

    Kareem, 41, who lives in Awori village in Epe, Lagos said Mrs. Olalekan lured him into the business.

    His words: “I have always been a happily married and contented man till the day I met Madam Olalekan. She came to my shop and told me she wanted to introduce me to the oil business. I told her I was not interested but she insisted that it was genuine. I was introduced to one Elizabeth and Taye, who sold 50 litres of Diesel for N4,800. It was later that I discovered that I was buying vandalised products.

    “Initially I wanted to stop, but because Christmas season is approaching, I decided to do one more deal. It was while we were on our way out of Konu that we were arrested.

    Kareem went on: “We sell 50 litres for as low as N6, 000. If you go to the regular petrol station, you will buy 50 litres as high as N7, 750. This explains why we have so many customers including individuals and petrol stations, ” Kareem said.

    He said greed lured him into the business, adding: “I am so sorry, I only did it to raise money in order to enjoy Christmas. My children will be disappointed in me. Please forgive me for their sake.”

    Mrs. Folorunsho, 36, an indigene of Owo in Ondo State, said she went into the business to fend for herself when her husband died.

    She said: “I was a full time housewife before my husband died. After his demise, there was no one to take care of my children and I. I started carrying loads for people. It was during one of such errands, that I was introduced to the business by one of my customers. I am quite aware that my suppliers are vandals, but there was nothing I could do about it. It is better than to go into prostitution. I am so sorry and pray that government will provide people like us with an alternative source of living.”

    Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba warned vandals to be weary of sabotaging government effort in giving account of its natural resources.

    Mba reiterated government’s desire to protect pipelines and warned that anyone caught would be prosecuted.

    The suspects, he said would be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

  • Protesters clash over Edo Property Tax Law

    Protesters yesterday marched on the streets of Benin, the Edo State capital, over the new Land Use Charge Law, otherwise known as Property Tax Law.

    Some supporters said it was time the rich started servicing the poor while the anti-Property Tax law protesters said the law should be thrown into the trash bin.

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole last week signed the bill into law, with an assurance that the law would not affect 95 per cent of the population.

    Oshiomhole said his administration would not apologise over the law as, according to him, “the rich must pay to provide for the poor” as well as protect their riches.

    The protesters, under the auspices of Edo Youth Congress, described the law as anti-people.

    They said they had issued a red card to the governor, if he does not listen to them.

    The group’s president, Dan Adebame Eichie, said the law was passed without getting the people’s input.

    Eichie said they protested against the law because the state has not provided basic amenities like in developed countries where the tax is paid.

    He said they were beaten and harrassed by supporters of the law at the Kings Square, where they gathered to start the protest.

    “Property law is not an ingredient of democracy. We are going to court to challenge the law, until it is thrown away.

    “We demanded for a public hearing but the lawmakers did not listen to us. We say ‘no’ to this tyrant law.”

    Supporters of the law, led by Tony Kabaka and the leaders of a group, Edo is in Safe Hands, gathered at the House of Assembly after chasing away the protesters.

    They carried banners, with inscriptions, such as “The rich must pay tax.”; “It is time for the rich to work for the poor.”; “The rich must pay for the poor to enjoy.”; “Stop organising people against tax payment.”; and “We support Property Tax. It is for development.”

    The groups stopped motorists and passers-by, educating them on the property tax law.

    Addressing the crowd, Kabaka said the infrastructural development in the state was a testimony of what the government was doing with the tax already collected.

    He said they earlier supported the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)- led government but were made to believe that there was no money in the state.

    Majority Leader of the House and sponsor of the bill Phillip Shaibu said it would ensure that the rich pay on their extra wealth for the development of the state.