Lawyers for Asa Investment Limited and the Saraki family have petitioned the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, urging him to ensure that the state government, led by Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, complies with a court order restraining it from taking any action on the plots of land known as Ile-Arugbo, allegedly owned by the late Abubakar Olusola Saraki.
The petition, signed by Barrister A. A. Ibraheem and obtained by InsiderNg on Tuesday in Ilorin, requests the Police Commissioner’s intervention in enforcing the court’s directive and protecting the rights of the Saraki family and Asa Investment Limited.
It is recalled that the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin had issued an interim restraining order, prohibiting the Kwara State government from commencing any construction activities on the disputed plots of land, pending the final determination of the case.
In a suit filed by Asa Investment, the Saraki family, and another party against Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Kwara State House of Assembly, the Attorney-General of Kwara State, the Director-General of the Kwara State Bureau of Lands, and the Inspector-General of Police, Justice A. O. Akinpelu granted the interim order.
Furthermore, Salman Jawondo, SAN, the immediate past Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Kwara State, signed an undertaking on behalf of the state government, committing to refrain from taking any action on the land until the case is concluded.
Despite a subsisting court order, Governor Abdulrazaq recently directed the clearing of the disputed Ile-Arugbo land, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the rule of law, Ibraheem stated.
“This provocative action has raised serious concerns about the governor’s commitment to upholding the law and respecting the judicial process. In response, we have petitioned the State Commissioner of Police to intervene and ensure that the state government complies with the court’s ruling.”
The lawyers allege that agents of the state government have been seen demolishing structures and buildings on the land, despite the fact that the suit is still pending and has not been finally determined or struck out by the court. They contend that the governor’s actions constitute contempt of court and urge the police to take necessary steps to enforce compliance with the law, thereby preventing acts that could lead to a breakdown of law and order in Ilorin.