Bayelsa hotel owner threatens to drag IGP to court over N625m lodging debt

A Bayelsa-based owner of the popular Euphemie Motel in Opu-Nembe, in Nembe Bassambiri community of Nembe Local Government Area, has threatened to drag the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to court over the alleged unpaid debt incurred by the Police SWAT team deployed from August 12, 2023, to date.

The lodging debt, according to the hotel owner, was incurred by the Police Special squad identified as SWAT led by one CSP Silas Adebayo, who are lodging in the facility for a reported sting operation in the Opu Nembe community.

The SWAT team had allegedly invaded the Opu Nembe community and occupy the Euphemie Motel, turning it into their operational base without due permission from its owners.

The Counsel to the owner of the Euphemie Motel, Inemoye Maxwell Brown Esq., in a letter dated 23rd of September, 2024 and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, 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, was occupied by the Police Personnel without payment for over 13 months.

According to Inemoye Maxwell Brown Esq, “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 with a view 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.”

He however noted that if the correspondence from the law chamber, R.M Whyte&Co was treated with levity ,” we shall approach the Court to seek damages done to the client’s property.”

Recall that a detachment of Mobile Policemen (PMF) and SWAT operatives from Force Headquarters, Abuja had arrived Opu Nembe last year amidst condemnation from stakeholders, indigenes and politicians ahead of the governorship elections in the state.

When contacted, police spokesman in Bayelsa State, ASP Musa Muhammed, said he could not comment on the issue at the moment based on his location.