The lawmaker representing Ifako/Ijaiye Constituency, Lagos State at the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo aka BAO, on Tuesday presented a petition against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), written by Compress Solicitor Advocate and Law Mediation Center on behalf of Mr Abayomi Moses Idowu, at the House.
The petitioner, Idowu is a hotelier and Managing Director of D&G Motor Dealer Enterprises Limited and D&G Hotel, Event and Suites in Ijaiye Ojokoro, Lagos.
There has been alleged incessant unlawful invasion of the business of Mr Abayomi Moses Idowu by the NDLEA, led by ACN Adekunle Oduola, especially D&G Event and Suites in Ijaiye, Ojokoro, Lagos, in violation of the petitioner’s constitutional rights.
Mr Abayomi’s house was invaded by the NDLEA in 2022, 2023, and now, in 2024.
Olabinjo then sought the indulgence of Mr Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas to lay the petition before the House.
Recall that Mr. Ayobami Moses Idowu has since filed a lawsuit against the NDLEA seeking N100 million in damages for alleged illegal invasion and destruction of his home and business premises.
In an application submitted to the High Court, Lagos State, in the Epe Judicial Division dated March 6, 2024, Mr. Idowu named the Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), the Commander of NDLEA, Lagos Command, and ACN Adekunle Oduola, NDLEA, Lagos Command, as respondents.
The application, filed by Mr. Idowu’s legal team from Complete Solicitors and Advocate, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, alleged continuous invasion, threats, and harassment by NDLEA officials without legal justification, violating Mr. Idowu’s constitutional and human rights.
The lawyers seek declarations from the court regarding the illegality and unconstitutionality of the actions taken by NDLEA officials, including unlawful invasion, search, and ransacking of Mr. Idowu’s property, as well as the forceful entry into his home without a search warrant.
Additionally, the application requests an order restraining the respondents from further unlawful actions against Mr. Idowu, along with monetary compensation of N100 million and a public apology in two national newspapers for the emotional and psychological trauma inflicted.
The lawsuit highlights the severe impact of the invasion and destruction on Mr. Idowu, his family, and business operations, emphasising the need for accountability and justice in addressing violations of fundamental rights.