AMCON sued for evicting tenants from VI property

The executors of the estate of the late Mr Olujimi Jolaoso have initiated contempt proceedings against the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria for allegedly evicting tenants from their Victoria Island property in Lagos despite an ongoing court case over the property’s ownership.

The suit was filed on Wednesday before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The plaintiffs, through their counsel, Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), informed Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa on Wednesday that the occupants of the disputed properties were forcibly evicted by having their doors broken down.

Ayorinde argued that AMCON evicted the tenants while relying on an ex parte order obtained by its counsel, C. Ezenduka, from Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on October 2, 2024, despite an interlocutory injunction granted by Justice  Lewis-Allagoa on June 25, 2024.

The plaintiffs, in the contempt proceedings, are Marcellina Jolaoso and Bankole Jolaoso, who instituted the action as executors of the estate of the late Mr. Olujimi Jolaoso.

The defendants in the suit include Safe Equip Nigeria Limited, AMCON, Mr Gbenga Alade (Managing Director/CEO of AMCON), Mr. Aloyaius C. Ezenduka, and Mr. Robert Ohuoba.

The Form 48 (Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Court Order) and Form 49 (Notice to Show Cause Why Order of Attachment Should Not Be Made), filed by the plaintiffs, were seen by our correspondent in court on Wednesday.

The dispute between the Jolaoso family and AMCON revolves around the ownership of the property, which had allegedly been used as collateral for an unpaid loan from First City Monument Bank.

The debt was subsequently acquired by AMCON in line with the corporation’s mandate.

The Jolaoso family claimed that tenants were evicted while the court case was still pending before Justice Lewis-Allagoa.

They argued that there was an interim order restraining AMCON from tampering with the property pending the hearing and determination of the suit, and that the substantive motion was adjourned for hearing until October 3, 2024, with the knowledge of the defendant.

Despite these circumstances, the plaintiffs alleged that the defendants proceeded to file an ex parte application before another judge of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, securing an order on October 2, 2024, to take over the same property that is under litigation.

According to the plaintiffs, the next day, armed with the ex parte order, AMCON and its solicitors, accompanied by the police, stormed the disputed property, ejected its occupants, and secured the premises under lock and key.

Justice Lewis-Allagoa adjourned the case until October 14, 2024, for hearing.