Sunday, May 16, 2010

Bizman Drags Former Minister, Others To Court

The last may not have been heard of crisis arising from leands revoked by the former minister of the Federal Capital Territory 9FCT), Malam Nasir el-Rufia, as an Abuja based businessman, mr. Michael Olorunleke, moves contempt proceedings against him and two others.

Olorunleke, also dragged to court, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ogbonna Onovo, and the FCT Police Commissioner, Mr. John Haruna, who he accused of working in consort with prominent Anambra State businessman, Chief Arthur Eze, to prevent him from taking possession of his property.

The Abuja based businessman has also petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan, on the same matter as he alleged that orders obtained in his favour were to no avail as armed policemen remained on the property.

Five plots of land in the Asokoro District, including plot 939 Gudu Cadastral Zone, belonging to the petitioner were said to have been allocated by the FCT Ministry under El-Rufai, on March 7, 2007 but was however revoked on April 17, 2007 and reallocated to Chief Arthur Eze.

The approval was contained in a memo raised by one of the former minster's aides, Mr. Ezeama Cyril, dated April 12, 2007 and titled "Request for Land Allocation By Prince Arthur Eze."

It read in part: "Appeals have been received from Prince Arthur Ikpechukwu for allocation of plots for development of residential, office complex and a five star hotel in Abuja. You may recall your directive after the meeting with him (Arthur Eze) ON (19/3/07) to bring recommendation for allocation.

"In view of the above please you (are) kindly invited to consider and approve that AGIS should revoke from any holder and grant allocation as follows", the memo went ahead to name the five plots already allocated to five persons including Olorunleke's plot 939 Gudu District.