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Court restrains IGP, others from arresting 1004 apartments landlords

An Igbosere High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the police not to carry out any act that would infringe on the fundamental rights of some officers of 1004 apartments in Victoria Island.

1004 Estate in Lagos

An Igbosere High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the police not to carry out any act that would infringe on the fundamental rights of some officers of 1004 apartments in Victoria Island.

The vacation judge, Justice Idowu Alakija, made the exparte order after listening to an application for an interim injunction sought by five executive officers of 1004 Home Owners and Residents Association (HORA), Victoria Island, Lagos.

The applicants — Abiola Oguniyi, Edet Essien, Joy Okara, Peace Itaribo and Olanrewaju Olaniyi — had through their counsel, Mr. Promise Asikpo and Joel Nyot – sought to restrain the police from further harassing and detaining them unlawfully.

Joined with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) were three other respondents, Akinlosi Oyelokun, Insp. Yusuf Danladi and the Police Service Commission.

Justice Alakija, after listening to the applicant, granted all the orders. “Upon hearing the applicants in this case, I am convinced that all the respondents have been served with the originating processes and the motion for Interlocutory injunction.

“It is hereby ordered that the parties maintain status quo and the respondent are not to carry out any act that shall infringe on the fundamental rights of the applicants pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice,” Alakija said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that residents of 1004 Estate had petitioned the IGP over unlawful arrest and detention of some occupants by policemen claiming to be from IGP Special Tactical Squad. In the petition, HORA alleged that five officials were unlawfully assaulted and detained for two days.

The association, comprising about 6,000 residents, alleged that the unlawful harassment was instigated by a tenant, one Oyelokun, whose apartment was disconnected over alleged two years unpaid service charge and electricity theft. According to the 1004 residents, armed policemen from Force Headquarters, led by Insp. Danladi Idah Yusuf, invaded the association’s secretariat and whisked away three staff to the Bar Beach Police Station on “order from above’’.

Those arrested are: Mrs. Joy Okara (HORA Finance Manager), Mr. Peace Itaribo (Accounts Officer) and Mr. Olanrewaju Olaniyi (Vending Officer). The association’s executives who attempted to secure their bails were also arrested and ended up behind bars for two days along with the staff, the petition said.

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