Court Orders Inspector-General Egbetokun to Appear Over N649 Million Hotel Debt Case

The Bayelsa State High Court, Nembe Division, has issued a 42-day deadline for Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to appear in court over a N649 million lodging debt lawsuit. The case was filed by Chief Darius Obiene, the owner of Euphemie Motel in Opu-Nembe, Nembe Local Government Area.

Obiene has accused the Nigerian Police, the Police Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police of failing to settle debts owed for the accommodation of a Police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. The team, led by CSP Silas Adebayo, reportedly occupied the motel from August 12, 2023, until October 3, 2024, for a sting operation ahead of the Bayelsa state governorship elections.

The court has warned that if Egbetokun and the other respondents do not appear, either personally or through legal representation, a judgment may be passed in their absence.

Obiene’s suit claims that the SWAT team’s forceful occupation of the motel premises was illegal. He is seeking a declaration that he is entitled to N649,450,000 for the lodging charges incurred during the 13-month period, as well as N200 million in damages for losses sustained due to the occupation, including lost revenue from the motel’s bar and restaurant. The claimant also demands compensation for conference room usage by the police.