Bizman sues IGP, others over land

An Abuja-based businessman has sued the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and two others over a land matter urging the court to restrain the police from further arresting and detaining him.

The plaintiff, David Michael, who is the managing director of Egaga Oil and Gas, joined a company, Zoe New Dawn Nigeria Limited, one Mirian Aniekwu, and one Luggard Edegbe, who was said to be the Zonal Land Manager of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) as first to third defendants in the suit before an FCT High Court in Apo.

He had alleged that the police through its then Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) had arrested and detained him on the strength of a petition written by the first to third defendants accusing him of threat to life, kidnapping and illegal possession of firearms. He said upon his release, he was re-arrested and detained at the Force CID and was allegedly forced to enter into an undertaking.

The substantive suit is on the ownership a property situated at Plot ED 21, Sabon Lugbe East Layout, Abuja which the plaintiff and the second defendant were claiming ownership, while the first defendant was developing.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, counsel to the plaintiff, Kingsley Chika Muoemeka informed the court of the arrest and detention of his client while the matter was pending before court.

The trial Judge, Justice Sylvanus Oriji adjourned the matter to November 6 due to non-filing of process by the IGP.