A Bayelsa State High Court, Nembe Division, has issued a 42-day ultimatum to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to appear before it over the N649m Bayelsa Hotel lodging debt suit filed by the owner of Euphemie Motel in Opu-Nembe in Nembe Local Government Area of the State.
The court warned that failure of the Police IG and the two other respondents, the Nigerian Police and the Police Service Commission to make an appearance, personally or through a legal practitioner, may lead to a ruling without their absence.
The owner of the Hotel, 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 to the Opu-Nembe community from 12th of August, 2023 till date.
The lodging debt was reportedly incurred by the Police Special squad also known as SWAT for a reported sting operation in the Opu Nembe community prior to 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.
With suit number, BHC/NHC/CV/323/2024, Chief Darius Obiene prayed the court for a declaration that the defendants’ forceful entry and occupation of the claimant’s business premises situated at Bassambiri town on the 12th of August, 2023 was illegal.
The suit partly reads: “A declaration that the claimants are entitled to the sum of 25,000 per night per room for rooms contained therein from the 12th of August, 2023 to 3rd of October, 2024 when the defendants 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 defendants 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 defendants 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 defendants for the damages done to the claimants as a result of their forceful entry and occupying same for a period well over 13 months and loss of revenue accruing bar and restaurant.”