A Bayelsa State High Court has given the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, a 42-day deadline to make an appearance in a N649 million hotel lodging debt lawsuit filed by Chief Darius Obiene, the owner of Euphemie Motel in Opu-Nembe, Nembe Local Government Area.
The court, sitting in Nembe Division, warned that if the IGP and the two other defendants—the Nigerian Police and the Police Service Commission—fail to appear, either personally or through legal representatives, judgment could be entered in their absence.
The case stems from a lodging debt incurred by the Police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, led by CSP Silas Adebayo. The team stayed at Euphemie Motel from August 12, 2023, until the current date, allegedly without settling their bills. The lodging was part of a reported sting operation in the Opu-Nembe community ahead of the Bayelsa Governorship elections.
Chief Obiene claims that the SWAT team forcefully took over the hotel, turning it into their operational base without his permission. The motel owner is seeking compensation for the losses incurred during the over 13-month period. The SWAT team was reportedly deployed to the area at the request of Chief Timipre Sylva, the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and the APC’s candidate in the election.
In the suit, numbered BHC/NHC/CV/323/2024, Obiene is asking the court for several declarations and orders against the defendants.
Obiene seeks a declaration that the forceful entry and occupation of his hotel by the SWAT team on August 12, 2023, was illegal. He also demands compensation for the period of occupation, requesting N25,000 per night per room for two rooms from August 12, 2023, to October 3, 2024, when the defendants vacated the premises.
Additionally, Obiene is seeking N100,000 per day for the use of three conference halls within the motel during the same period. This would amount to a total of N649,450,000 in lodging charges alone.
Obiene is also requesting N200 million in damages for the alleged harm caused by the forceful occupation of his property, including the loss of revenue from his bar and restaurant during the SWAT team’s stay.
In his statement, Obiene stressed that the defendants’ actions were unlawful, emphasizing that he never gave permission for his hotel to be used as a base for the police operation. He claims that his business suffered greatly during the period, as his facilities were essentially seized for over a year, and he was left with no choice but to bear the financial burden.
“Nobody should have the right to invade my business and operate without my consent,” Obiene told reporters. “This is a matter of justice and fairness. I am not only seeking the debt owed to me, but also compensation for the damages done to my livelihood.”
The court’s intervention has brought much-needed attention to the case, especially since the matter involves key figures in Nigerian politics and law enforcement. Obiene’s lawyer, who spoke to the press, highlighted the seriousness of the case.
“This is a matter that touches on the rights of Nigerian citizens to protect their property,” the lawyer said. “It is a clear violation when government agencies misuse their power to occupy private spaces without regard for the law.”
The IGP’s office has yet to comment on the court’s order, but sources within the Nigerian Police have suggested that efforts may be underway to resolve the matter amicably. However, with the deadline looming, there are growing concerns that the failure to address the situation could lead to serious legal consequences for the police and their affiliates.
As the legal battle continues, Obiene remains firm in his pursuit of justice, saying that he is prepared to see the case through, no matter how long it takes.
“I will fight for what is rightfully mine,” Obiene added. “This is about the future of my business, and I won’t back down.”
