Ikeja Computer Village: Court fixes Nov. 19 to hear suit challenging levies

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday, adjourned until Nov.
19, to hear a suit challenging the imposition of levies in the
Ikeja Computer Village.

The Fundamental Rights suit, marked FHC/L/CS/1568/19, is filed
by one Prince Ochokwu Obieze through his lawyer, Mr Ikechukwu
Chiaha.

Joined as first to fourth respondents are: Inspector- General of
Police, Commissioner of Police Lagos Police Command, Area Commander
Area F Command and one IPO, Jennifer.

Also joined as fifth to seventh respondent are: Mr Tony, Mrs
Bisiola Azeez, (Iyaloja) and Mr Adeniyi Olasoji (Babaloja).

Obieze, the applicant, is seeking a declaration that the
incessant molestation, threat to kill, harassment and his detention
by the first to fourth respondent at the instance of the fifth to
seventh respondent is illegal.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the case could not
proceed on Tuesday as the court did not sit, hence the new date for
the hearing of the suit.

In the originating motion, applicant seeks declaration that the
forceful invasion of his business premises at the Computer Village,
Ikeja on Aug. 8, by tugs for refusal to pay “unjustifiable levies”
made by the fifth to seventh respondent is unlawful and
illegal.“

He also wants a declaration that his beating, harassment, and
intimidation in the market place by the fifth to seventh respondent
in company of their tugs, due to his refusal to accede to an
illegal levy in the computer village is unlawful.

The applicant also seeks a declaration that the inhumane
treatment meted on him during his detention by agents of the first
to fourth respondent at the instance of the fifth to seventh
respondent, is a flagrant violation of his fundamental rights.

He, therefore, seeks an order of perpetual injunction,
restraining the respondents from further infringing or violating
his rights.

The applicant also seeks an order, restraining the respondent
from further “forcefully and exploitatively “ demanding payment of
the said levies from him.

Applicant wants an order restraining the respondents from
forcing and torturing him to denounce his membership of the
Computer and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria
(CAPDAN).

Besides, the applicant seeks payment of damages in the sum of
N25 million against the respondent for the violation of his rights
as well as aggravated and exemplary damages in the sum of N2
million.

He also wants a public apology from the respondent to be
published in two national dailies. (NAN)

Subscribe ToNairalaw News!