IGP faces court action over N625m 13 months SWAT lodging debt
A Bayelsa Hotelier and owner of the popular Euphemie Motel in Opu-Nembe in Bassambiri Community of Nembe Local Government Area of the State has threatened to drag the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun to court over the alleged unpaid debt incurred by the Police SWAT team deployed from 12th of August, 2023 till date.
The lodging debt, according to the hotelier was incurred by the Police Special Squad identified as SWAT led by one CSP Silas Adebayo for a reported sting operation in the Opu Nembe Community ahead of the last Governorship elections in the state.
The SWAT team on their arrival in the riverine community, reportedly occupied the Euphemie Motel, turning it into their operational base without due permission from Its owners.
It was also gathered that the SWAT team were allegedly drafted to the area at the request of the Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and the Governorship flag bearer of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in the last election, Chief Timipre Sylva.
Counsel to the owner of the Euphemi Motel, Inemoye Brown of R.M Whyte & Co in a letter dated 23rd of September,2024 and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the Chairman, Police Service Commission, stated that the 50-bedroom hotel with lodging fee of N25,000 per night and two conference rooms of N100,000 per day with indoor and outdoor relaxation spots were occupied by the police personnel without payment for over 13 months.
The petition to the IGP sighted by our reporter reads in part: “Our client’s business premises and the facilities are almost in complete ruin and a complete renovation is imminent. And it is imperative to restore their facilities to return to normal business.”
“We, therefore, call on the Police IG to use his good office to direct your men and officers, who had forcefully moved into and occupied our client’s hotel as described from 12th of August,2023 till date and counting in Opu Nembe to immediately vacate within six weeks upon receipt of this correspondence “
“That the sum of N625,000,000 only covering the above period from 12th August 2023 to 12th September 2024 be paid within six weeks upon receipt of the correspondence.
“That if the correspondences from the law chamber, R.M Whyte&Co are treated with levity, we shall approach the court to seek damages done to our client’s property.”
