Saraki Counsels Petition Police Commissioner Over Breach of Court Order in Family Property
The legal team representing the family of the late Abubakar Olusola Saraki has petitioned the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Victor Olaiya, over the alleged breach of a court order by the state government, urging intervention to prevent the demolition of the late politician’s property and maintain public peace in Ilorin.
The Kwara State government, in preparation for constructing a new government hospital, reportedly began demolition activities last Tuesday at the site of Ile Arugbo, a building belonging to the Saraki family, located along Iloffa GRA, Ilorin.
In a letter dated July 18, 2024, Abdul Azeez Ayodeji Ibrahim, one of the counsels supporting Lead Counsel Dr. Akin Onigbinde, detailed the ongoing legal dispute.
The letter, made available to journalists in Ilorin, emphasized that the state government’s actions violated an existing court order. “The state government went to demolish the structures and buildings on the land, which has been in possession for about 40 years, while the suit is still pending and not finally determined or struck out by the court,” the letter stated.
The case involves a complaint by the claimants about the breach of an order by Honourable Justice A. A. Adebara, Chief Judge of Kwara State.
“The claim in the suit referred to above is in respect of the plots of land at G.R.A., Ilorin, belonging to Late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, on which buildings known and called Ile Arugbo stand,” the letter continued.
The letter explained that the Kwara State Government initially attempted to demolish the structures in 2021, following an alleged revocation of the land plots without prior notice to the Saraki family.
This prompted the family to file the suit against the Kwara State Governor and other defendants, including the Inspector General of Police.
“An interim order of injunction was granted against all the defendants, including the Inspector General of Police, restraining them from any actions on the disputed land pending the hearing and final determination of the suit,” the letter recounted.
Additionally, then-Attorney General of Kwara State, Salman Jawondo, SAN, had undertaken on behalf of the Governor not to act on the land until the suit was resolved.
The letter expressed shock at the recent demolition activities: “To the surprise of the claimants, the agents and servants of the Governor of Kwara State were seen on the morning of Tuesday, July 13, 2024, demolishing the structures and buildings on the land while the suit is still pending.”
Highlighting the law-abiding nature of the Saraki family, the letter called for urgent intervention from the police commissioner to prevent actions that could breach public peace and order in Ilorin.
“We solicit your official intervention in this lawless act of the Kwara State Government by calling on the Governor to stop the demolition of the structures/buildings on the disputed land pending the hearing and determination of the pending suit.”
The letter concluded by emphasizing that acts of lawlessness and disregard for court orders are unacceptable, particularly from government officials, lawmakers, and law enforcement agents.
