Ms Asabe Waziri, a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, is currently at risk of being jailed for allegedly disobeying a valid court order.
Waziri was alleged to have flouted the valid lawful order of court after she invaded a property, under litigation, located at No 1, Mekong Close, Maitama, Abuja.
In a contempt charge marked FCT/HC/M/11211/2022, dated March 19, 2024, it was stated that unless Asabe Waziri obeys the court order, she will be liable to be committed to prison.
Part of the motion reads, “Notice of consequences of disobedience to court order pursuant to sections 72 & 85 of the Sheriff’s and civil process act (cap c 38) LFN 2004 and under the inherent jurisdiction of this honourable court.
“Take notice that unless you have obeyed the direction and orders(s) contained in the order(S) of this Honourable Court delivered on 21st February 2023, you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to prison” the motion stated.
Recall that a High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory presided over by Justice Mohammed Madugu, had restrained Asabe from interfering, trespassing and disturbing the quiet possession of the applicant, and the property located in Maitama District of Abuja.
In the legal tussle, Mr Joe Agi SAN, was hired by Asabe to represent her in one of the cases against Abeh Signatures Limited, a property development company and owner of the property.
Even, with the SAN, she was said to have disobeyed a court order which barred her from going to the property, located at 1, Mekong Close, Maitama District, Abuja.
In spite of being aware of the court order, Asabe secured the backing of the police to give them cover to take over the property.
Justice Mohammed Madugu of the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory had ordered Asabe Waziri not to go near the property pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
Justice Madugu had ordered, “upon reading the Motion on Notice along with the accompanying affidavit of Yinke Bariwa including the written address filed along with the application.
“Court hereby makes the following order(s): leave of ths court is granted to the Claimant/Applicant for an interlocutory injunction restraining the 1st Defendant/Respondent (Asabe Waziri) from interfering. trespassing, disturbing the quiet possession of the Applicants or doing anything adverse to property described as a two (2) bedroom unit, of flat 3B and 3C, Abeh signature Apartments, 1, Mekong Close. Maitama Abuja FCT, pending the hearing of the substantive suit with Reference No: CV/3261/22”.
