The Bayelsa State High Court, Nembe Division has handed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, a 42-day ultimatum to cause an appearance in the N649million Bayelsa Hotel lodging debt suit.
The case was filed by the owner of the popular Euphemie Motel in Opu-Nembe in Nembe Bassambiri community of the Nembe Local Government Area of the state, Chief Darius Obiene.
According to the Court, the failure of the Police IG and the two other respondents, the Nigerian Police and the Police Service Commission to make appearance, personally or through legal practitioner, may lead to judgement entered in their absence.
The owner of the popular Euphemie Motel in Opu-Nembe in Nembe Bassambiri community of Nembe Local Government Area of the State, Chief Darius Obiene had filed a suit against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Nigerian Police and the Police Service Commission over the refusal to settle the alleged unpaid debt incurred by the Police SWAT team deployed from 12th of August, 2023 till date.
The lodging debt, according to the report, was incurred by the Police Special squad identified as SWAT led by one CSP Silas Adebayo for a reported sting operation in the Opu Nembe community ahead of the last Governorship elections in the area.
The SWAT team had allegedly invaded the Opu Nembe community and occupied the Euphemie Motel, turning it into their operational base without due permission from its owners.
The SWAT team were allegedly drafted to the area on the request of the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and the Governorship flag bearer of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the last election, Chief Timipre Sylva.
In the suit number, BHC/NHC/CV/323/2024, filed by the owner, Chief Darius Obiene, he prayed the court for a declaration that the defendant’s forceful entry and taken over the entire claimant’s business premises situated at Bassambiri town Opu-Nembe on the 12th of August,2023 is illegal.
“A declaration that the claimants are entitled to the sum of 25,000 per night per room for to rooms contained therein from the 12th of August,2023 to 3rd of October,2024 when the defendant’s vacate the claimant’s premises.”
“A declaration that the claimant is entitled to the sum of N100,000 only person conference per day per for the three conference halls contained therein from the 12th of August,2023 to 3rd of October,2024 when the defendant’s vacated the claimant’s business premises.”
“A declaration that the claimants are entitled to the sum of N649,450,000 for the period between 12th of August,2023 to 3rd of October,2024.”
“An order of this court mandating the defendant’s to pay the defendant’s the sum of N649,450,000 for the period between 12th of August, 2023 to 3rd of October, 2024.”
“And the sum of N200,000,000 against the defendant’s for the damages done to the claimants as result of their forceful entry and occupying same for a period well over 13 months and loss of revenue accruing bar and restaurant.”
